Our Grey Water Filter systems (GRS V & H Filters) are diversion systems, not treatment systems, therefore cannot be used to flush the toilets. Untreated greywater is only authorised to be used to water the gardens (not root vegetables) via subsurface irrigation method (covered by mulch) or under lawns. An explanation of each system is detailed below.
Recommendation of a greywater system best suited to your property and requirements is site specific, it is dependent on a number of factors, eg; the size of your roof, how many bedrooms the property has, how large the garden area is and the clients specific greywater reuse requirements.
The GRS H Filter system is intended for use of the entire house, e.g. laundry and bathrooms, where as the GRS V Filter system is most often used for a single fixture e.g. laundry/trough.
We perform full installation if required, including all aspects of design and specifications for council applications. Typically the cost is anywhere between $5,500 to $7,000 dependent on site location.
A quotation must be performed, please see Option 2 on our Consultancy page for more information.
Full installation includes all general labour to install system and irrigation, present at council inspection and handover to client. * Electrician and Plumbers fees are not included and all bills pertaining to the install, will be forwarded to the client to pay.
We also sell our GRS Filter systems as DIY kits where you would need to organise all council application/approvals, a licensed plumber to connect, electrician and install the entire system yourself.
You can save a lot of money doing it this way!
This in-line filter system is used to filter greywater from typically one source, such as from the laundry or bathroom, but can be used in a whole-of-house diversion. Greywater can contain a variety of substances, such as lint, grease, soil particles and hair, which can block the soil, subsurface drain system and dripline. Greywater needs to be filtered before it passes into the irrigation or infiltration area. The filter used is typically a 300 to 400 μm nylon fibre bag which is able to be easily removed via two moulded handles.
The GRS Filter has a safety overflow device which enables wastewater to re-enter the existing treatment system should the need arise. Furthermore, a diverter valve enables the householder to manually turn on or off the diversion capability during winter or at other times. After filtration, the greywater is then passed into an approved subsurface drain system or dripline system where it can be absorbed by plants.
The installation and connection of this filter system must be undertaken by a plumber licensed under the appropriate Plumbers Licensing Regulations found in each state. The plumber must obtain approval from the Sewerage Service Provider for any required connection or modification to the plumbing works connected to the sewer system. The installation must also comply with AS/NZS 3500:2 (2003).
The installation of any greywater reuse system must also be approved by the local government authority, and will require a formal application to be made to the Local Government. Contact the Environmental Health Officer/Inspector at your local council about their requirements and fees.
The specifications and installation procedure is found on the document “GRS Filter Installation and Specifications”. This document outlines how the filter bags are installed and removed. All other components are either moulded or glued in position. The rotary diversion valve is able to be unscrewed to enable changes to flow direction, and for cleaning.A twelve months warranty, from the date of installation, is given on the GRS Filter, as well as any diverters supplied by Water Installations Pty Ltd.
Greywater is the wastewater stream from all sources other than the toilet (toilet water is often called blackwater or sewage). It is called greywater because it appears this colour, or turns grey after a short storage period.
Source |
Volume per Day (L) |
Toilet |
150 |
Greywater | 350 |
Outside / Watering | 300 |
Bathroom | 185 |
Laundry | 115 |
Kitchen | 50 |
Greywater also contains bacteria and other microscopic organisms which feed on the nutrients in greywater, causing the wastewater to smell after a day or two. High levels of nitrate and phosphate may be beneficial to many plants, but can be detrimental to humans if ingested.
Laundry water is probably the easiest to access as the plumbing often passes through the house wall, and a diverter can be installed. On average it can contribute from anywhere between 30-40% of the total greywater volume. Wastewater from the laundry varies in quality from each wash and can be contaminated with lint, oils, greases, chemicals, soaps, nutrients and other compounds.
Bathroom water is also suitable, but it may not be easily accessible as drainage normally occurs below the slab and may be close to the toilet water source. It may need to be collected and pumped to the infiltration area. On average it can contribute from anywhere between 50-60% of the total greywater volume. Bathroom greywater can be contaminated with soaps, hair, shampoos, toothpaste, lint, body fats, oils and cleaning products.
Kitchen greywater (and dishwasher water) generally should not be reused as this can contain oil, fats and food scraps, which do not break down easily and can clog irrigation pipes. On average it can contribute from anywhere between 5-15% of the total greywater volume. The detergents and cleaning products may be alkaline and contain chemicals that are harmful to soil structure, plants and groundwater.
A number of different subsurface drain configurations are shown on plans developed by Greywater Reuse Systems (GRS). GRS also sells a filter and a number of different greywater diverters.
GRS generally installs untreated greywater dispersal/diversion systems (Primary Treatment). Treated greywater systems (such as Grey Wise) are also available from us, and there are stringent monitoring and nutrient and pathogen content standards to be achieved.
Greywater should first pass through a filter and/or settling tank before dispersal in an infiltration area. This removes coarse material (e.g. hair, soap flakes, sand and lint) which could block the draincoil pipe or soil, or both.
An overflow safety device is required to divert greywater either back into a sewer line or into an existing wastewater treatment system (septic tank and leach drain) should problems arise. A vent, with a screened cowl, will need to be installed to prevent accumulation of foul air. Furthermore, there are restrictions on the location of greywater reuse systems within a property. For example, large tanks and trenches must be at least 1.2 m from boundaries and/or buildings. No greywater from one property is allowed to flow onto any neighbouring property.
No. Bedrooms |
Laundry* | Bathroom | Total Flow | Irrigation Area |
2 or less |
120 | 180 | 300 | 60 |
3 | 160 | 240 | 400 | 80 |
4 | 200 | 300 | 500 | 100 |
5+ | 240 | 360 | 600 | 120 |