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Water
Australians use more water per capita than any other nation on earth.
It is quite puzzling considering Australia is the driest continent.
The public and governments began to realise around five years ago that water resources were limited and that serious reductions in domestic consumption were necessary to defer and minimise major capital expenditure in establishing additional potable water resources.
Some people say we will need those new resources established sooner or later anyway, so why not just get on with it, rather than spending taxpayers money on water saving campaigns.
Well the problem is, most of the simple, cheap and easily accessible water at or near potable quality in most areas of Australia has already been established and being used for existing water supplies. Many areas don't have any local options for additional new water sources or at the very least they will be very expensive to establish and/or maintain. Some potential new sources involve expensive new technology untried on such a scale and some have significant environmental consequences.
Many new potable water resources will effectively cost the water authorities two to four times as much to bring on stream and deliver. This new water will cost around $1.50 to $3.00 per kilolitre (kL) which is quite different to the current rates typically paid around Australia of around $0.70 to $0.80 per kL. Basically, current water prices in Australia are not sustainable.
Deferring the need to establish new potable water sources will also increase the chances that technological advancements will assist in reducing the capital, operating and environmental costs involved.
So, the more water wise we become, the less expensive our water will be in the future.
Widespread water saving campaigns by state governments and water authorities across the country have provided many good tips on saving water in the home. For some of the better links for tips go to our links page. We will only provide a few tips here that generally aren't well known.
A home inspection water audit is the best way to comprehensively identify specific areas and opportunities to save water around your home. Performed by an appropriately qualified professional (such as Envirosmart Living) or a greenplumber, they typically cost around $200 or less and in some states such as Victoria attract a government rebate.
A number of web based self assessment tools are around now that help people understand how much water they use in and around the home, how they compare to the average and which areas they could improve on. Most of these tools are too simple and generalised to be of much value.
Grey water is water that comes from showers, baths, hand basins and the laundry. Black water is water from the toilets. Kitchen sink water is generally not used as grey water as it is usually high in solids and fats. Grey water is generally "relatively clean" compared to black water. It is lower in pathogens, E Coli, solids and other undesirables.
Particular care needs to be taken when reusing greywater to avoid public health problems and damage to your garden and the environment. Most states have a set of regulations governing the use of grey water. At this stage, in many states, there is a lack of ownership and clear responsibility lines between authorities and that is confusing to householders and needs to be addressed. Over time this should be addressed and greywater use will become clearer and more widespread.
Generally greywater is only used in the garden. With specific approvals from the relevant authorities, a system with a connection to your toilets may be approved. It is extremely important for household and public safety that only licensed plumbers make these connections as specific backflow prevention requirements apply to protect against mains water contamination.
Access to the plumbing for the diversion of greywater is sometimes difficult or impossible. Most single story homes built on concrete slabs will have little or no access. Homes on stumps with subfloor access, older homes with most plumbing exposed on external walls are more easily accessed. Everyone about to build a new home should consider future greywater access at the design stage.
It is worth getting expert advice on what greywater access and systems are appropriate for your home. Talk to someone like ourselves or an experienced greenplumber. Some of the system manufacturers or suppliers may help but their advice might not be complete or independent as they may tend to only advise on their own systems.
If connected to toilets, before going on holidays, shut off incoming line to cistern and then flush toilet to empty out all the grey water from the cistern. Refill with mains water (by bucket if necessary).
Greywater systems in Victoria should be EPA approved as compliant with their guidelines. In other states the public health departments, water authorities or even councils may be the regulatory body.
Always check with your local council if you require a permit for your greywater system.
Use a licensed plumber to connect your system and obtain a compliance certificate to get your rebate.
Irrigate with greywater using shallow subsurface systems rather than on top of the ground and do not use sprinkler or spray systems - drip/trickle irrigate only.
Rotate areas to be irrigated with grey water, only apply at a rate the soil can absorb. Don't allow areas to become too wet and create surface ponding. Monitor your irrigation system regularly to ensure greywater doesn't flow from your property, enter stormwater or ag drains connected to stormwater drains.
- Do not store greywater for any longer than 24hrs.
- Use only in dry periods on the garden.
- Ensure your greywater system can divert to sewer in the event of a blockage, breakdown or power failure.
- Use lilac coloured recycled water plumbing fittings and pipes where possible with greywater.
- Use low sodium and low phorourous laundry detergents.
- Any washing loads with dirty nappies or faecal soiling should be diverted to sewer.
- With washing machines, use final rinse water only unless load is very lightly soiled.
- Don't irrigate areas that children play in.
- Don't use on vegetable root crops or vegies that are to be eaten raw.
- Rotate areas to be irrigated with grey water, only apply at a rate the soil can absorb.
- Wash your hands after handling pipes/fittings that have carried grey water.
