AN INVESTIGATION INTO GREYWATER REUSE FOR URBAN RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES

Continuing moves towards full cost recovery for potable water and the impending privatization of water supplies in the Melbourne area have e nhanced public interest in the reuse of wastewater, and particularly t he domestic use of greywater. Victoria University of Technology, toget her with support from Melbourne Water and the Department of Health and Community Services, has been investigating the practicalities, costs and social attitudes of using greywater in and around the home. Four ' 'typical'' Melbourne homes were selected and plumbed to utilize greywa ter for toilet flushing and garden irrigation. Social surveys were con ducted by mail and phone to homeowners to determine perceived attitude s towards greywater reuse, Greywater from baths, showers, laundry trou ghs and washing machines is being examined for physical, chemical and microbiological parameters to determine the potential health and envir onmental risks associated with reuse. Soil tests were also undertaken on gardens to determine any long-term detrimental effects that might o ccur as a result of using greywater. This paper describes the greywate r testing, results of filtration and filter designs, appropriate disin fectants, and physical findings to date. The two-year project is due f or completion early in 1995.