Grey water is waste water produced from washing machines, sinks, showers, baths, etc. Normally this water is disposed of through the drainage system and it eventually enters the rivers and oceans. This is a waste of water which can be recycled for use in the garden or in the house for flushing toilets and even washing clothes.
Waste from toilets is called sewage and is not grey water.
Grey water is not suitable for drinking as it can contain microorganisms and chemicals which are harmful to people. These microorganisms and chemicals may also be hazardous to the environment.
Grey water can be either 'diverted' or 'treated' depending on how it is to be used.
Grey water may be diverted from a washing machine for example, for use in the garden. As this water contains microorganisms and chemicals this should be done with care to ensure that the soil isn't polluted and that plants for consumption are not contaminated. Water should not be diverted from kitchen sinks because of the high level of pollutants and microorganisms. Grey water can be diverted via gravity or by pumps. Installation by licensed may be required. Council approval may be required. Check first.
Grey water reused internally for flushing toilets, washing clothes, etc needs to be treated first. Treated grey water is not intended for human consumption. A number of different systems are available for the treatment of household grey water. Installation by a licensed plumber may be required. Council approval may be required. Check first.
Greywater by NSW Office of Water /
NSW - Office of Water: 2009
http://www.water.nsw.gov.au/Urban-Water/Recycling-water/Greywater/default.aspx
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