Australian Government crest

LivingGreener logo

Install a greywater system

A wheelie bin type greywater system.Installing a greywater treatment system lets you re-use some of the water that would otherwise go down the drain.

Using greywater instead of tap water for low-risk activities like watering the garden and flushing the toilet is a great way to help protect our future water supplies.

An average Australian home produces about 80 litres of greywater per day. Re-using this water means using less tap water that is usually treated and transported to your home.

You might be eligible for rebates or other assistance to help with the cost of installing a new greywater system.

Installing a greywater system step-by-step guide

Installing a greywater system step-by-step guide
Step Number Step Name Actions
1 Work out your system requirements
  • First check with your local council or state or territory government to find out which types of systems are approved for your local area. You may need a permit.
  • Check if you are eligible for rebates and assistance to help with the cost of your greywater system. Check any specific conditions that may make certain systems ineligible for financial assistance.
  • Decide whether you want to use greywater indoors or only outdoors. This makes a difference to the sort of treatment system you will need to install. If you are going to use greywater only outdoors, you will probably be able to get a less complex system than if you will be using water inside.
  • Find out what the best model will be for you. Consider whether you want to store your greywater or use it immediately, how your plumbing and drains are set up and where you can position a greywater system. Start with Your Home Technical Manual - Wastewater re-use.
2
 Choose system and supplier
  • Get information and advice from more than one source. Talk to several suppliers or manufacturers about your options before you commit to buying a greywater system.
  • Ask suppliers if the system will be installed by a licensed plumber as this could affect your eligibility for financial assistance, rebates or insurance.
  • Ask suppliers about any additional costs such as a pump, timer or fittings to connect to your existing system.
  • Work with the suppliers to identify how the different systems can be positioned and ask if the system will use energy and if so, how much.
  • Check whether your system will restrict the type of cleaning products you can use.
  • Check the warranties for different systems as this can vary greatly.
  • Ask about after-sales service and what assistance you'll get if you have questions about your service in the future.
3 Get your new system installed
  • Ask the installer to show you how the system works.
  • Ask your installer what you'll need to do to maintain the system including how and when the system will need to be cleaned.
  • Consider adding your new greywater system to your insurance policy.
4 Maintain your system
  • Always follow the manufacturer's operating instructions.
  • Try to keep your wastewater as clean as possible and use the right cleaning products if your system requires it.
  • Make sure your household and guests know how to use the system and which chemicals or cleaning products must not be used.
  • Don't dispose of chemicals, medications or other unnatural products down the sink. Contact your local council or water authority for information on chemical collection and disposal of hazardous wastes.
  • If you are collecting wastewater from your washing machine, make sure you use a lint filter and clean it regularly.

More information

See these resources for more information about installing a greywater system:

Share this page

Get instant updates

Subscribe to RSS updates (What is RSS?)

Rebates & assistance

As a home owner, renter or landlord, you could be eligible for financial assistance to help you start living greener.

Find out about government rebates and assistance.

Why do it?

  • Help save precious water
  • Keep your garden green during water restrictions
  • Show others how they could recycle water at home too
  • Help reduce our reliance on treated and pumped water

Did you know?

In a typical Australian home the washing machine uses 90 litres of water per day.

Related topics

Be informed

Page last modified: 19 May 2010