Using Greywater Safely

Using greywater safely protects your health, your soil, and your food crops. Use the checklist below each time you reuse greywater. 

✔ Use greywater as soon as possible after it is collected

✔ Apply greywater directly to the soil, close to plant roots

✔ Use greywater on plants where the edible parts grow above ground

✔ Add mulch where greywater is applied

✔ Alternate between greywater and fresh water

✔ Start small and observe how plants and soil respond

✘ Never drink greywater

✘ Do not spray greywater onto leaves or edible parts

✘ Do not store greywater for more than 24 hours

✘ Do not use greywater from toilets or nappy washing

✘ Avoid strong, salty, or bleach-based detergents

✘ Do not use greywater in areas that become waterlogged

If you notice any of the following, reduce or stop greywater use and flush with clean water:

• Strong or unpleasant smells

• Water pooling on the soil surface

• Poor plant growth

• Hard or crusty soil
  
  

These signs may indicate soap or salt build-up in the soil.