Using Greywater Safely
Using greywater safely protects your health, your soil, and your food crops. Use the checklist below each time you reuse greywater.
✅ What to do
✔ Use greywater as soon as possible after it is collected.
✔ Apply greywater directly to the soil, close to plant roots.
✔ Use 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.
❌ What not to do
✘ 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
⚠️Signs to watch for
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.