weekly hansard - Queensland Parliament - Queensland Government

23 Aug 2005 Plumbing and Drainage and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2619
When people travel the highways like I do, they would see an increasing number of water tankers
on the road. I talk to land-holders who have empty farm storages and underground water supplies that
are depleted. Something that has been brought to my attention in recent times is the fact that because
the dams and on-land waterholes are drying up, the bird life is finding those waterholes that are still in
existence and actually polluting the water so it is no good to the farmers anyway. A lot of these
waterholes are dams that supply water to the farm itself and the residence where farmers live.
While there is nothing that we can do to bring the rains, there is much that can be done in the
area of curbing excessive water usage and recycling this precious commodity. The government must
provide the impetus in investigating and implementing methods that enable us to reduce water
consumption as well as make water recycling a sustainable reality. This bill is a step in the right direction
as it provides the framework through which grey water in sewered areas can be reused. Studies suggest
that around about 50 per cent of all household water becomes grey water; that is, waste water that has
not yet come in contact with toilet waste water, which is known as black water.
When we talk in terms of recycling grey water we mainly refer to household waste water that
originates from baths, showers, basins and laundries. Kitchen waste water is usually left out of the
equation as it can be problematic with solids often present such as fat and grease. When someone
washes up as many times as I do, they get an understanding of what goes down the drain. We have to
be able to keep that water isolated from the water that comes through the showers and the washing
process. Grey water—the end result of nearly half of all household water consumption—offers
enormous potential for its reuse in garden irrigation and other sustainable purposes. The obvious
benefits from grey water use include reduced demand on traditional water supplies, reduced loading on
existing sewage collection and treatment systems and, of course, savings for householders in their
water bills.
We are aware that there are potential health risks associated with grey water as even bathroom
and laundry water can have pathogens or pollutants present. We have to be alert to that. The bill
provides that grey water can only be used for subsurface irrigation distributed via pipes located below
ground level to ensure that human contact is avoided. The issue of potential flooding has also been
addressed by the requirement of grey water systems to retain a sewer connection so that if the ground
becomes waterlogged the water can be returned to the sewer system.
I am pleased to note that the state is not looking to impose grey water systems on local
authorities. Local authorities already have a lot on their shoulders. We are not forcing councils to take on
grey water. We are not forcing it on ratepayers. Rather, councils will have the final say on any approvals
for grey water recycling schemes. That is the way it should be because councils are best placed to
consider the local issues that can affect the viability of the grey water systems in their areas. When
members have as many communities in their electorates as I have in mine, and they get around and see
the different soil types and the locations of communities on slopes, they would get an understanding of
the impact we are having on subsurface potable water supplies. That is something that we have to be
very, very careful about protecting because it is a commodity that is also becoming a great concern to
people in the country.
Even though I do get asked about grey water use from time to time—people often come into the
office and ask about grey water use—it may be that existing householders might not immediately rush to
embrace grey water recycling systems. Waste water drains and pipes in current housing do not
separate grey water from black water, which is an important part of this legislation, and the need for
repiping could prove to be fairly costly for householders. I would see that as a big deterrent for what is
an effective initiative.
However, legislative clearance for grey water use is an exciting initiative for new urban
developments, which have the potential to install separate grey water and black water systems from the
start that will allow grey water reuse. It will be part of new constructions in the future. That is the most
effective way of slowly introducing this new way of dealing with grey water. Over the years, as more and
more houses come on line, a greater percentage of the population will actually enjoy the benefits of the
system that is being introduced in this legislation. Developers should be encouraged to look at grey
water options as more and more Australians are embracing the idea of living in environmentally friendly
housing. It is a very good selling point for houses in the future.
Clearing the path for grey water usage goes hand in hand with the Beattie government’s recently
announced sustainable housing initiatives. It has had a positive response, and it shows that the Smart
State is moving forward. Greenhouse efficient hot-water systems, energy efficient lighting, dual-flush
toilets and water pressure limiting devices will ensure that all new homes in Queensland will use less
water and energy from 1 March 2006. That is good and positive. It is smart thinking. It shows that this
government is committed to supporting a workable water recycling strategy which holds the key to
managing our water resources efficiently and sustainably. Enabling the usage of grey water in sewered
areas provides another rung in the ladder of that strategy.
If we are to protect our environment and conserve our precious resources for today’s
Queenslanders and future generations, it is vital that we take these steps today and that we set the
standards to preserve water and energy for the future. In light of the benefits that will flow from this
legislation, I am pleased to commend the bill to the House.