Grey water systems are an essential element of any modern domestic irrigation system. Grey water is all the waste water that a home produces, such as laundry waste, as well as bath and shower water. This can be diverted and either stored or used directly on a garden for irrigation. These sources are best suited for use in the garden as they carry no significant or harmful chemicals. If one does switch to a grey water system, it helps to start using low phosphate washing powders or detergents.

There are regulations governing the use of grey water in the domestic setting, these are:

• one normally has to limit any grey water use to sub-surface irrigation
• avoid using grey water on any fruit or vegetable plants
• a licensed plumber must install the system

The benefits of utilising grey water for irrigating your garden include:

• reductions in your water bill
• alleviating the impact of a drought by using stored rainwater
• reduce your reliance on the mains system
• reducing the impact of water restrictions