Publications - Information sheets

Greywater Use: Guidelines for residential properties in Canberra

Second Edition, published October 2007

Download:

Greywater Use: Guidelines for residential properties in Canberra (PDF File - 1262k)

Introduction

Water is fundamental to our existence.

As cities expand and populations grow, the demand for water is rising. Factors, such as extended periods of drought combined with the social, economic and environmental costs of creating new water supplies, are leading us towards the need for better management of our water resources.

In April 2004, the ACT Government released the Think water, act water strategy to address sustainable management of the ACT's water resources. Included in the strategy are a number of initiatives aimed at achieving a 12 per cent per person reduction in mains water use by 2013 and 25 per cent by 2023.

A further target set by the Government is to increase the use of reclaimed water from 5 per cent to 20 per cent by 2013. By reusing water, it is possible to benefit from water that would otherwise be lost to us after a single use. Using domestic greywater is one way of contributing to the achievement of this reuse target.

Because greywater has already been used, it may contain substances harmful to public health and the environment. However, through your understanding of health and environmental considerations, your ongoing commitment to some simple principles, and by following relevant ACT legislations, you will be able to use greywater without compromising public health, your household or the environment.