Check your state and local council regulations
Australia’s regulations governing household greywater reuse vary widely from state to state. Before installing your H2grO system, it may be necessary to obtain plumbing works approval. There may also be conditions regarding where and when greywater may be used on your property. We strongly recommend you contact your local council for advice on the specific regulations and setback distances in your region before commencing installation.
It is generally accepted that greywater should only be distributed via a subsurface irrigation system. This precaution ensures surface runoff is eliminated and that any bacteria that may be present in greywater is not subject to airborne dispersal.
Only an appropriately licensed plumber/drainer may install an H2grO unit and all work must be in accordance with AS/NZS 3500.2.
Decide which greywater sources you will choose to recycle
Your plumber will need to know which greywater sources you want to recycle before he installs the pipework, so you need to decide which are the best sources of greywater in your home. We suggest that you use greywater from baths and showers in preference to basin and laundry water as it is more dilute and less likely to contain harsh bleach, detergent, solvent and chemicals. Do not connect to a kitchen water supply as this is likely to be heavily polluted with fats and detergents and is not allowed by any regulatory body.
Only use with the correct H2grO pods
Due to their narrow water passages, conventional irrigation drippers are not suitable for use with greywater. H2grO is intended to be connected to a network of subsurface irrigation pods. H2grO pods are designed to resist blockage from plant roots or laundry lint and ensure greywater is distributed at least 100mm below the soil surface. Pods are connected to irrigation pipe with flexible tube to make it simple to position them around plants. The pod design and flexible tube connection allows the pods to be easily removed and opened for cleaning.
Placement of subsurface pods and irrigation pipe from the H2grO – Greywater for Gardens system does not require a plumbing licence and is a simple task for the average householder to install or modify in a few hours. H2grO pods, purple H2grO irrigation pipe and fittings are sold separately.
Tips for Use
- Divert greywater to waste (sewer) during periods of sustained rainfall.
- Never allow flammable or corrosive liquids to pass into the H2grO system; it is dangerous, will damage the pump and void your warranty.
- Divert greywater to sewer if laundering soiled nappies.
- Divert greywater to sewer when cleaning baths and shower recesses.
- Use liquid soap and detergent in preference to bar soap or powders and select brands that are low in Phosphorus and Sodium.
- Seek advice from your local plant nursery regarding the most suitable plant species for use in greywater-irrigated gardens.
- Run 10 litres of fresh water into the H2grO if leaving home for more than a weekend. This will ensure that the system stays clean and does not become stagnant.