Grey water (all non-toilet household wastewater) can be a good water resource in dry periods, but it can carry health and environmental risks. Basic safety tips must be followed.
City of Greater Dandenong does not endorse untreated grey water being stored or discharged to the ground surface in any way. Grey water must be treated as waste water and properly disposed of to the sewerage system provided to the property. Grey water stored or discharged onto ground could be subject to Health Act enforcement.
City of Greater Dandenong encourages the collection of storm water and the installation of water tanks.
For more information on grey water re-use contact the EPA Victoria website.
Grey water tips
- Use only grey water from baths, showers, hand basins and washing machines (preferably the final rinse water)
- Don't use kitchen wastewater (including dishwashers) due to the high concentration of food wastes and chemicals that are not readily broken down by soil organisms
- Only use grey water on the garden and rotate which areas you water
- Only apply enough water that the soil can absorb
- Wash your hands after watering with grey water
- Don't water vegetable gardens with grey water if the crop is to be eaten raw or uncooked
- Don't use grey water that has fecal contamination, for example wastewater used to launder nappies
- Don't store grey water for more than 24 hours
- Don't use grey water during wet periods
- Don't let children or pets drink or play with grey water
- Stop using grey water if odours are generated and plants do not appear to be healthy
- Don't allow grey water to flow from your property or enter stormwater systems