|
When reusing greywater we must take every precaution to make sure that we don’t accidentally create immediate health risks or long-term damage to plants or soil. There are some simple precautions to take into consideration for the safe reuse of your greywater. When using your Greywater Gardener 230™ system it is very important to remember that anything that goes into your washing machine or shower ends up on the garden. Detergents that use nitrogen, phosphorous or sodium as fillers or cleaning agents can create soil alkalinity and other problems. Some washing powders may be made up of 80% fillers. Fillers are extremely high in sodium (salt)/phosphorous. Both are harmful to our environment and natural waterways. The actual cleaning agents are sometimes harmful to the environment and ingredients such as Boron, which plants require in small amounts, are poisonous to plants and wildlife in higher concentrations. This can be avoided by using cleaning products that are specifically manufactured for greywater gardens. A number of commonly available LIQUID LAUNDRY PRODUCTS have been independently tested by Lanfax Laboratories Australia. Many of these liquid detergents contain no or low levels of phosphorus and sodium and are therefore garden safe. Visit the Lanfax Laboratories website for more details: www.lanfaxlabs.com.au Do not use normal fabric softeners if you intend to reuse the greywater on your garden. Simply divert the water to drain, either with the switch beside your washing machine or at the base of the surge capsule. Avoid water above 40 Degrees Celsius. In the shower, generally, most everyday shampoos and conditioners are garden safe, because they are liquids (less sodium) and used in small quantities (which makes them very dilute by the time they are mixed with the shower water). However, divert the greywater down to the sewer if you are using anti-dandruff shampoos or hair dye in the shower. Liquid soaps are better than soap cakes and are less likely to clog irrigation. Toothpaste can also clog irrigation, so avoid brushing teeth in the shower if you are diverting your greywater to the garden. Be sure to turn the system off if you are cleaning the shower/ bath with chemicals and/or bleaches. We recommend that you monitor the health of your plants after you begin feeding them with greywater. Watch for any darkening of the edges of leaves. Build up of the ingredients in detergents can cause soil alkalinity changes, so we suggest regular soil testing. To safely use greywater on your garden, remember the following: - Greywater is great for the lawn.
- Greywater can be used on ornamentals i.e. Roses, Gardenias, Hydrangeas etc.
- Greywater is safe to use on above ground fruit and vegetables i.e. citrus, tomatoes and fruit trees.
- Greywater should not be used to irrigate leafy vegetables i.e. lettuce or spinach.
- Greywater should not be used to irrigate root vegetables (tuber vegetable) i.e. potatoes or carrots.
- Australian Natives should be monitored closely when being watered with greywater. Watch for any darkening on the edges of leaves. DO NOT OVER WATER.
- Acid loving plants will benefit from the occasional dash of white vinegar into your load of wash to make the water slightly more acidic.
|
