Greywater Goes Ahead
11 December, 2006
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Brisbane residents can now use greywater on lawns and gardens around their home.
Environment and Sustainability Committee Chairperson, Councillor Helen Abrahams, said greywater was a readily available, alternate source of water that could keep gardens and lawns green without having to draw from the region's three major dams, which are at historically low levels due to the ongoing drought.
"Greywater is a water source generated from the bath, basin, shower, washing machine and laundry tubs, which can be diverted for use on lawns and gardens," Cr Abrahams said.
"Recent changes to the Queensland Government's Plumbing and Drainage Act and new guidelines developed by Brisbane City Council mean that for the first time above ground and below ground greywater use systems can now be installed at residential homes in sewered areas.
"The simplest way to use greywater is with a bucket or flexible pipe. This is available to all city residents and you do not need formal Council approval to use greywater this way.
"However, if you install a dedicated greywater system that requires cutting into the household plumbing system, you will need to obtain Council approval, which includes meeting some eligibility criteria.
"Properties with certain soil types, sloping blocks or a shallow groundwater table are not recommended for greywater usage.
"A map of suitable and unsuitable areas is available on Council's website. Residents can also ring the Council Call Centre and confirm if their property is in a suitable on unsuitable location for residential greywater use.
"Unit blocks, apartment buildings, townhouses and small-size allotments are also not able to install or use greywater use systems."
Cr Abrahams said a simple five-step process had been developed for people considering installing a dedicated greywater system.
"An information kit, which includes information on the step-by-step process, has been developed by Council to guide residents wanting to use greywater responsibly around the home and provides details on applicable Queensland Government financial rebates," Cr Abrahams said.
For more information or to receive an information kit, visit www.brisbane.qld.gov.au or phone Council on 3403 8888.