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Regulation

In 2005, an amendment to the NSW Local Government (General) Regulation 2005 “provides for an exemption from the prior approval of local council in relation to domestic diversion of greywater for sub-surface irrigation, if certain practices are implemented and conditions are met” (NSW Guideline for Sewered Residential Premises (Single Households) Greywater Reuse, Final Draft, August 2006).

If a greywater system meets certain criteria in their design and installation, no operation permit from their local council is required by the householder.

Greywater Diversion Systems are exempt from the council approval requirement provided they meet the following criteria as specified in the NSW Greywater Guidelines:

  • Site is not located in area registered as environmentally sensitive;
  • Greywater is not being diverted from kitchen or toilets;
  • An on-site sewerage management facility is not in place;
  • Property not serviced by dual reticulation system;
  • Greywater is not stored or treated in any way (with the exception of a primary filter);
  • System must have watermark license;
  • A Watermark licensed diversion device delivers the greater to a sub-surface irrigation system;
  • The system has an off switch that diverts back to sewer;
  • Must have some kind of surge tank as part of the system;
  • Must be installed by a licensed plumber;
  • Householder complies with Do’s and Don’ts of greywater use, as per guidelines (New South Wales Government, Department of Energy, Utilities and Sustainability (2007) Guidelines for Greywater Reuse in Sewered, Single Household Residential Premises.)

All greywater diversion products must be watermarked and sub-surface distributed. If it is not the householder must get permission and approval from their local council. If a householder does not have approval from council and does not have a system meeting the above requirements, they can be fined up to $2200. It is the legal responsibility of the householder to ensure they get approvals if needed and operate systems safely and appropriately.

Waterwise Systems’ Greywater Gardener 230™ meets all exemption criteria and therefore does not require council approval for operation. The Greywater Gardener 230 is also recognised by NSW Health, and can be found on the NSW Health website list of approved products.