Recycled Water
Recycled Water Solutions: Sustainable Greywater Systems in Adelaide
The Importance of Recycled Water for Sustainable Living
Water conservation is becoming increasingly important, especially in Adelaide and throughout greater South Australia, where water scarcity is a growing concern. Recycled water, commonly referred to as greywater, is a sustainable solution that allows households and businesses to reuse water efficiently, reducing reliance on mains water and lowering utility costs. At Eco Building Supplies, we provide high-quality greywater diversion systems designed to maximise water reuse while maintaining safety and environmental responsibility.
What is Recycled Water (Greywater)?
Recycled water, or greywater, is wastewater collected from household sources such as showers, baths, washing machines, and hand basins. Unlike blackwater (from toilets and kitchen sinks), greywater is relatively clean and can be treated and reused for the irrigation of garden areas. By implementing a high-quality greywater system, homeowners and businesses can significantly reduce their potable water consumption and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Benefits of Using Greywater Recycling Systems
Reduce Water Bills
By reusing household water, properties can reduce reliance on mains water, leading to lower water bills over time. Greywater systems allow households to repurpose thousands of litres of water annually, providing significant cost savings.
Environmental Sustainability
Using recycled water helps to conserve natural water resources, reduce wastewater discharge into sewage systems, and lower overall water demand. This reduces the strain on South Australia’s already limited freshwater supply.
Minimise Wastewater Discharge
By diverting greywater away from sewage systems, homes and businesses can prevent excess wastewater from being treated at municipal facilities, reducing energy use and lowering carbon footprints.
Enhance Garden and Landscape Irrigation
Greywater is rich in nutrients beneficial for plants, making it an excellent irrigation source. By implementing a greywater irrigation system, homeowners can maintain lush, green gardens even during dry seasons.
Types of Greywater Recycling Systems
Basic Greywater Diversion Systems
A greywater diversion system collects water from sources such as showers, washing machines and hand basins and redirects it directly to gardens or other irrigation areas. These systems are simple, cost-effective, and do not require complex treatment processes.
How to Install a Greywater System
Installing a greywater system requires careful planning to ensure safety and compliance. Our licensed Master Plumbers provide expert installation services, ensuring your system meets South Australian water regulations. The installation process typically includes:
- Assessing Household Water Usage: Identifying sources of greywater and estimating potential water savings.
- Choosing the Right Greywater System: Selecting a system based on property size, water needs, and intended use.
- Installing Collection and Diversion Pipes: Connecting appropriate greywater sources to the system.
- Implementing Filtration and Distribution: Ensuring proper filtration and effective greywater dispersal for irrigation or household reuse.
- Final Compliance Checks: Ensuring installation meets Australian health and safety standards.
Is Recycled Water Safe to Use?
When properly treated, recycled greywater is completely safe for irrigation of the family home, businesses, commercial properties and mining sites. It is always a good idea to check with local councils, health departments or local water authorities regulations
Greywater System Maintenance
Regular maintenance is crucial to keep greywater recycling systems functioning efficiently. Homeowners should:
- Clean filters periodically to prevent clogging.
- Check pipes and pumps for blockages or leaks.
- Check pump controllers for faults.
- Monitor water quality to ensure safe reuse.
- Schedule professional servicing annually to maintain system efficiency.
Why Choose Eco Building Supplies for Greywater Systems?
Eco Building Supplies is a leader in sustainable water solutions in South Australia, offering high-quality greywater diversion and treatment systems. Our expert team of Master Plumbers provides professional installation, maintenance, and support, ensuring the highest standards of efficiency and compliance.
Our Commitment to Sustainability
- We provide eco-friendly water solutions tailored to Australian conditions.
- Our greywater systems are built for durability, efficiency, and long-term water savings.
- We ensure full compliance with Australian plumbing and water treatment regulations.
- We offer customised solutions based on household and commercial water needs.
Get Started with Greywater Recycling Today
Investing in a greywater recycling system is a smart and sustainable way to reduce water costs, conserve natural resources, and create a more eco-friendly home. Whether you need a basic greywater diversion system or a fully integrated greywater treatment unit, Eco Building Supplies has the right solution for you!
Grey Flow PS System
The Grey Flow PS System is a whole house diversion system that is installed below ground.
The system works because it intercepts the wastewater from the laundry, shower and hand basins flowing towards the sewer. Here the water goes into a buffer tank via a set of filters. When the water level rises in the buffer tank, the float switch on the pump is activated and the filtered greywater is discharged through the drip irrigation system. Every 20 pump starts the self-cleaning mechanism is activated.
Key Features
- State of the art self-cleaning mechanism
- Auto de-sludge configuration
- Extra low maintenance (2 years filter clean)
- Simple & robust design
- Small footprint to fit most homes
- Easy & economical 2 stage install
- Suits even the deepest installation
- 100mm inlet and outlet
Grey Flow Pro System
The Grey Flow Pro system is a true Greywater diversion system designed for larger homes and commercial use.
The greywater is directly diverted to the garden with a maximum daily volume of up to 24,000 litres. The unique design, which integrates multiple sensors and a self-cleaning mechanism, enables large amounts of greywater to be reused in a maintenance-free manner. This greywater system is the most powerful diversion system available in the market.
Key Features
- Easy install Plug & Play Unit
- An automatic backflush filtration system
- Extra-low maintenance (2year filter clean)
- Economical manual filtration option
- State of the art robust design
- For above & below ground installations
- 100mm inlet & outlet
Speak to One of Our Experts
To learn more about recycled water systems and how they can benefit your property.
Or come visit our showroom in Adelaide to see our products in action and speak to our knowledgeable team about the best water-saving solutions for your home or business.
ContactUsFrequently Asked Recycled Water (Greywater) Questions
How is greywater different from blackwater?
Greywater is wastewater from non-toilet sources like showers, washing machines and hand basins, whereas blackwater contains sewage and harmful contaminants from toilets and kitchen sinks. Blackwater requires extensive treatment, while greywater can be safely reused with appropriate filtration and treatment.
What are the benefits of using greywater?
Using a greywater recycling system provides several benefits, including:
- Reduced water bills – Less reliance on mains water lowers costs.
- Eco-friendly water use – Conserves South Australia’s scarce water resources.
- Improved garden irrigation – Greywater is nutrient-rich and benefits plants.
- Minimised wastewater discharge – Reduces pressure on sewer systems.
- Sustainable home solution – Supports eco-friendly living and meets water efficiency standards.
How can I collect greywater at home?
Greywater can be collected through diversion systems which directs wastewater directly to gardens via a small tank with a pump and float.
What can recycled greywater be used for?
Greywater can be used for Garden and lawn irrigation
Can greywater be used for drinking water?
No, greywater is not safe for drinking. Even with advanced filtration, greywater should only be used for the irrigation of gardens.
Do I need council approval to install a greywater system?
Yes, in South Australia, you will need council approval depending on the type of greywater recycling system you install.
Can I install a greywater system myself, or do I need a plumber?
Only licensed plumber should install any permanent greywater system to ensure compliance with South Australian plumbing regulations.
How much does a greywater recycling system cost?
The cost of a greywater system in Adelaide depends on the type:
- Basic greywater diversion systems: AUD $800 – $1,500
- Advanced greywater treatment systems: AUD $2,000 – $4,000+
What filtration is required for greywater?
Greywater filtration typically involves sediment filters which remove dirt, hair, and large particles.
How do I maintain a greywater system?
To keep your greywater system working efficiently, you should:
- Clean filters regularly to prevent blockages.
- Check pipes and pumps for clogs.
- Use biodegradable soaps and detergents to prevent chemical build-up.
- Book in a yearly maintenance schedule with Eco Building Supplies to ensure that the filtration, pump controller and pipe work is all in good working order.
How often should I clean my greywater filters?
Greywater filters should be cleaned every 3 to 6 months, depending on usage and the type of system installed.
Are greywater systems legal in South Australia?
Yes, greywater systems are legal in South Australia, but they must comply with SA Water, local council and SA Health regulations for safe and environmentally responsible use.
What are the regulations for using recycled water in Adelaide?
Adelaide follows South Australian government guidelines for greywater reuse, ensuring systems are:
- Installed by licensed plumbers.
- Compliant with plumbing and environmental standards.
- Using approved filtration and treatment methods.
Does greywater smell bad over time?
Greywater can develop odours if not used or treated properly. To prevent smells:
- Use greywater within 24 hours.
- Install proper filtration.
How does greywater recycling help the environment?
Greywater recycling reduces demand on mains water, decreases wastewater discharge into sewage systems, and helps maintain sustainable water use in South Australia’s dry climate.
Does using recycled water reduce water bills?
Yes! Recycling greywater can reduce water usage by 30-50%, leading to lower water bills for households and businesses.
How much water can I save with a greywater system?
A typical greywater system can save between 20,000 – 50,000 litres of water per year, depending on household size and usage.
What are the risks of using untreated greywater?
Untreated greywater can contain bacteria, viruses, and chemicals, which may pose risks if not filtered properly. To avoid risks, always:
- Use approved greywater systems.
- Avoid storing greywater for long periods.
- Apply safe irrigation methods for garden use.