7 reasons to start using greywater today

Water, just like everything else on the planet, is a limited resource. We are surrounded by water, which is 97 percent of Earth’s supply but most of drinking water is sourced as scheme water from dams. Greywater is wastewater from baths, showers, spas, bathroom basins, washing machines and laundry tubs. It’s a great resource that can be reused to water our gardens and lawns, so why waste this liquid gold? Keep reading to find out the top 10 reasons why you should start reusing greywater today.

Alternative water source in response to climate change

There’s no doubt that the increase in Earth’s climate has brought about many changes to the environment. In some areas, a drastic decrease in the average rainfall with a snowball effect resulting in depletion of natural and man-made water sources like dams, rivers, lakes and underground aquifers. With climate change continuing and population growth increasing, it is evident that our once reliable water sources will no longer be able to supply the increasing demand. This is where water usage in both the household and outdoor irrigation will rely largely on alternative water sources such as desalination plants and greywater reuse.

Reducing potable water demand

A high level of treatment is required to produce clean and safe drinking water or potable water from the tap. There are many sources of drinking from the environment that supplies urban areas however the main source comes from rivers. Dams are built to catch water before in undergoes treatment at a water filtration plant, stored in reservoirs then eventually supplied to the community through connection to water mains. Any pipes in the household requiring water supply from mains is still connected to high quality drinking water meaning you are literally flushing money down the toilet! So, what else does it cost to produce nice clean drinking water that we’re actually not drinking? Energy, and a whole lot of it too! Did you know that the average person in a household uses approximately 340 litres of water a day? Hmmm but the average person only drinks between 3-4 litres of water per day… It’s estimated that it takes about 1.1 kWh of energy to treat and distribute 340 litres of potable water. That’s more energy than a fridge or a 50” LED television uses in a day!

Water from rain in a catchment area (including rivers, lakes and natural springs) that is not collected in dams returns to the earth to form groundwater which can be accessed by wells or bores. Other sources of non-potable water or untreated water include water from rainwater tanks, recycled water (from wastewater plants), greywater and stormwater harvesting.

About half of the water we use in a day actually doesn’t need to be of drinking water quality and indeed could be substituted with a non-potable water source. Research shows that approximately 40% of all residential water use is for watering lawns and gardens. By tapping into unused non-potable water such as greywater for non-drinking water uses such as irrigating gardens, lawns or toilet flushing, it is possible to help ease the pressure of supply from rapidly decreasing dams without increasing scheme water demand.

Reducing wastewater discharge

On average, a household (consisting of three individuals) generates approximately 825 litres of water per day of which is roughly 120 litres of greywater per person. This consists of 40 litres that is produced in the laundry and 60 litres that is produced in the bathroom. Without the opportunity for greywater to be reused, for example through a greywater diversion device, it is quickly discharged back to sewer, wasted and unused. Any wastewater that travels down the drain to sewer is not separated with blackwater and undergoes treatment before it is discharged back into the environment.

Much like recycling plastic bottles and glass containers, greywater can also be repurposed as water supply for garden irrigation and even flushing the toilet. Learn more about what you need to know about reusing greywater and how to get started. This can help to reduce the total amount of wastewater that needs to be treated. How does reduction of wastewater volume help? Just like the treatment that is involved to provide clean drinking water, a significant amount of energy is required to purify water at a wastewater treatment facility. This can vary between municipal areas and wastewater treatment plants, for example in California it takes approximately 475 – 1,400 kWh of energy to treat 300,000 gallons of wastewater. Reduced wastewater volume means saving energy and reduced greenhouse gas emissions it takes for filtration, purification, pumping and processing.

Reducing household bills and saving water

Water utilities is going cost you, no matter what. You get a service charge for water supply and sewerage and that’s not even including your water usage yet. Well it’s good news then, that doing your part to help the environment by simply following the mantra, “Reduce, Reuse and Recycle,” can also save you some extra dosh in the long run. Greywater is commonly reused to water gardens and lawns but can also be reused in the household for toilet flushing. So how much could you typically save by reusing greywater? Older style toilets use around 13 litres per flush but can be replaced with new high efficiency toilets that use up to 6 litres per flush. Get more tips like this to save water in 2020. Lawns and gardens need about 1 inch of water or between 25mm – 30mm of water. Lawns should be watered three times a week, gardens twice a week and native plants once a week.

Supporting a healthier garden

Summer gets really hot in Australia and can quickly turn your dream lawn into a sad nightmare. When the dry expected weather hits, strict water restrictions are in place for using a hose, watering can, bucket and sprinklers. Maintaining a good water supply can be difficult and costly. Reusing water through a greywater reuse system can provide a regular supply of water to irrigate garden beds and lawns to help support a healthier garden particularly during the drier months.

Additional nutrients for plants

Everything that goes down our bathroom and laundry sinks end up in greywater. A lot of these household products contain nitrogen and phosphorus which are key nutrients for many plants and lawns. These are the same active ingredients in regular fertiliser and when delivered in a moderate amount, can benefit nutrient poor soils. A regular supply of these nutrients in greywater can save you both water and money for buying fertiliser and watering your garden using scheme water.

Creating a green neighbourhood

As a result of climate change, water restrictions, decreasing water and increasing density in residential development, the Australian dream having a big backyard and garden is slowly being replaced with smaller blocks with paving and artificial turf. This urbanised landscape creates increasingly hotter and visibly less greener neighbourhoods. Greywater reuse provides an alternative water supply for irrigating gardens and lawns that is consistent during dry and hot seasons. An efficient supply can encourage more green space to reduce urban heat and create more pockets to keep neighbourhoods cooler, greener and biodiverse.

Keen to get started? Here’s what you need to know about reusing greywater to help create greater water savings in your community and what it costs for a greywater system.