Rainwater & Greywater use - City of Darebin

Rainwater &Greywater useENVIRONMENTAL FACT SHEETWater is a precious resource that needs to be used wisely. The average Melbourne home uses240 000 litres of water per year. This is equivalent to around 5 average-sized domestic swimming pools. Mostof this water (36%) is used on the garden, 24% is used in the bathroom, 19% for toilet flushing, 16% in thelaundry and 5% in the kitchen.Capture and re-use of rainwater and greywater to flush the toilet and water the garden are two ways you cansignificantly reduce your mains water consumption. This in turn reduces the pressure on our scarce waterresources. The City of Darebin supports the installation of rain water tanks and greywater systems.Diverting greywater and installing rainwater tanks are most effective in reducing mains water consumption whenundertaken in conjunction with other water saving actions around the home, such as the use of water efficientappliances and the establishment of water efficient gardens.Rainwater and how can I use it?Rainwater can be collected from your roof and stored in a rainwater tank. This water can be used to water yourgarden, or to flush your toilet. Toilet flushing with rainwater is a more efficient way to conserve water. This isbecause you will use your tank water more regularly throughout the year.The Victorian Government is offering residents a rebate on a range of water saving products including rainwatertanks. The rebate scheme includes $150 off a rainwater tank of 600 litres or greater and $150 off a rainwatertank to toilet connection. The rebate is claimed through your water bill. For more information on the currentrebates and a Rebate Application Form go to: HTwww.ourwater.vic.gov.auTH or call 136 186.Installing rainwater tanksRainwater tanks and rainwater to toilet systems need to be installed by a licensed plumber. The City of Darebinsupports and recommends the Green Plumber Project. To find our more about the program and locate a GreenPlumber near you visit: HTwww.greenplumbers.com.auTH or phone 9329 9622.2Generally, the installation of rain water tanks (less than 10mPPin area) do not require a building permit if theymeet the following requirements:• Tanks are fitted with an overflow pipe that must be connected to the storm water system for the property, andmust discharge to the legal discharge point nominated by council.• Tanks don’t affect the purpose and intent of any serviceeasements located on the property.• Tanks don’t impose on the daylight and ventilationrequirements of habitable room windows on adjoining/neighbouring properties.• Tanks are not built within the first 9 meters of the streetfrontage.• The position and external finish of the tank meets the amenityrequirements listed in the Local Law for the City of Darebin.• Tanks installed under eaves do not encroach on the propertyboundary setback by more than 500mm.For more information about the possible requirement of abuilding permit call Darebin’s Building Branch on 8470 8465.Rainwater tanks need to installed by alicensed plumber. Consider using anaccredited Green Plumber to do this.

What is greywater and how can I use it?Greywater is all non-toilet (blackwater) household waste water, including laundry and bathroom water.Greywater sourced from your bathroom and laundry can be diverted and used to water your garden and/orflush your toilet in an untreated form.You can use greywater by:• Letting your washing machine or shower water run into a bucket which you empty onto the garden.• Installing a temporary or permanent greywater diverter (to divert water onto your garden) which you canpurchase from hardware and plumbing supply stores.• Installing a temporary storage and toilet flushing system, such as the Wattworks system.• Installing an EPA approved greywater storage and treatment system.If you want to install a permanent greywater diverter or storage and treatment system you will need to use alicensed plumber.Important facts to remember about greywater• Ensure that any greywater used does not leave your property and does not run into the stormwater system.• Ensure you use laundry detergents that are low in salt, phosphorous and nitrogen. Generally liquiddetergents have lower phosphorous and sodium levels, as compared to powders (for more information go towww.lanfaxlabs.com.au).• Only divert laundry or bathroom water, not kitchen water as it is heavily contaminated with fats, greases andsolids.• Don’t divert greywater that has faecal contamination, such as nappy wash water.• Avoid watering vegetables that will be eaten raw.• Don’t store greywater for more than 24 hours.• Don’t allow children or pets to drink or play with greywater.Other water saving ideasThere are many other things you can do in and around your home to save water, some of these include:• Install and use AAA (water efficient) taps, showers, appliances and dual flush toilets.• Take shorter showers.• Plant a water efficient garden using native or low water tolerant plants.• Mulch your garden beds and water only in the early morning or evening.• Use hoses fitted with trigger nozzles to ensure you only water what you need to.• Use a plug in the sink when rinsing dirty dishes and washing vegetables.• Only use your washing machine and dishwasher when you have full loads.• Wash your car on the lawn using a bucket, to make better use of the water and reduce pollution entering thecreeks and rivers through the stormwater system.• Sweep paths and driveways around the house using a brush, rather than a hose.• Don’t leave the tap running while you brush your teeth or while you shave.For more information from Darebin City Council go to:HTwww.darebin.vic.gov.auTH/environment, email mailbox@darebin.vic.gov.au or call (03) 8470 8888For more information on what you can do to save water at home and use of rainwater andgreywater go to:HTwww.epa.vic.gov.auTH – Victorian Environment Protection Authority websiteHTwww.sgaonline.org.auTH – Sustainable Gardening Australia’s websiteHTwww.ourwater.vic.gov.auTH – Department of Sustainability and Environment’s websiteHTwww.savewater.com.auTH – For excellent water saving ideasHTwww.greenplumbers.com.auTH – Green Plumbers Project websiteHTwww.melbournewater.comTH – Melbourne Water’s websiteHTwww.yvw.comTH – Yarra Valley Water’s websiteHTwww.environment.vic.gov.auTH - Gateway site to many other environment sites