Need for a re-think on use of household grey water
There is need for an urgent re-think on the use of treated domestic grey water (shower, washing machine and dishwasher water) as an important component of water conservation, according to Andrew Pearce, CEO of water specialists New Water.

“From a legislative point of view, local councils and governments typically have got it all wrong, because there is no legislation prohibiting the use of untreated grey water, but there is legislation limiting the use of treated grey water.

“In addition, the legislation is different in the various states,” said Andrew Pearce.

“In fact, untreated grey water can be an environmental hazard because many of the chemicals used in washing machines and dishwashers could end up in the garden and eventually enter the water table.

“People literally extend a hose from their washing machine into their garden and this is not beneficial for the environment as it acts as a pollutant.

“We believe legislation should encourage people to use treated grey water in their homes, which studies have shown can be even more beneficial in terms of conserving water than rainwater tanks.

“Treated grey water removes the nasty chemicals that could be contained in untreated grey water, which also makes it suitable for use in washing machines, toilets, as well as for use in the garden and for washing the car.

“Of course the community also needs to overcome any perceptions about whether using grey water for these sorts of application is safe. The fact is that a proper treatment process will bring grey water to Class A standard.

“We believe the best and most environmentally friendly form of grey water treatment is in the use of a biological process as a primary mechanism, which doesn’t require regular discharges to the sewer system. This should be combined with the use of a secondary chemical, such as bromine, which is also mild on the environment and guarantees that there is no regrowth of harmful bacteria in the water being stored,” said Pearce.

A recent study by the CSIRO found that on-site grey water treatment systems resulted in greater reductions in potable water demand compared to rainwater tanks.

New Water is a water specialist company that provides rainwater tank and grey water solutions to domestic properties throughout Australia.

www.newwater.com.au

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Released for New Water by Dennis Rutzou Public Relations. For further information please call David Lizzio or
Dennis Rutzou on (02) 9413 4244.