It is estimated that about 40 to 60 per cent of the average household water use does not need to be of drinking water quality and could be substituted with a non-drinking water source.
Non-drinking water sources are part of the total water cycle and can be harvested in a number of ways. In suitable areas, householders can collect rainwater from roofs in rainwater tanks; reuse greywater from the shower, bathroom and laundry; or access groundwater through domestic garden bores.
On-site rainwater tanks, garden bores and greywater reuse systems are the responsibility of the householder and the water is usually safe for non-drinking purposes if it is used appropriately.
Potential single household (on-site) non-drinking water sources and common use(s)
For more information on the sources click on the links in the table.
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Source:
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Rainwater
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Groundwater
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Greywater
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Supply:
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Tanks (plumbed for in-house use)
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Garden bores
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Temporary/ permanent diversion (filter)
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Permanent treatment system
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Garden sub-surface irrigation
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Garden surface irrigation
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Bathroom
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*
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Laundry cold water tap
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*
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Toilet flushing
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*
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| identified as suitable option subject to availability of source, adequate treatment and suitability of location |
| * in-house use supported only where no reticulated drinking water is available |
Household on-site wastewater treatment option in unsewered areas
In unsewered areas, household wastewater can be treated through on-site aerobic treatment systems and reused for irrigation (sub-surface irrigation is recommended by the Department of Health as the safest use). Aerobic treatment units (ATUs) require approval from the Department of Health and the installation has to be approved by the relevant local government. For more information visit the Department of Health website.