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Don’t waste your waste water: Westernport’s advice

Westernport Water has launched its summer save-water campaign with a reminder not to waste your waste water.

By Susan Webster - 22nd December 2008 - Back to News

Posters have been distributed around the region reminding holiday-makers not to take a holiday from saving water.

And the water corporation is keen for customers to reuse waste water on their gardens during the dry.

Managing director Murray Jackson said: "Waste water from the bath, shower, washing machine and basins is a useful backup water supply for your garden … provided it is used wisely."

Westernport Water’s policy on use of this ‘grey’ water is simple. Only use rinse water and do not use it on plants that could be eaten raw.

Keep children and pets away when you apply it. And wash your hands after watering.

Grey water can contain bacteria and other unhealthy contaminants. These can brew if stored in tanks too long.

"We recommend not storing grey water for longer than 24 hours," Mr Jackson said.

"When you apply grey water to the garden, try to limit contact with the air – apply the water as close to the plant roots as possible. Do not flow grey water through above-ground sprinklers – the vapour could be a real hazard.

"However, it is safe to let it flow through a sub-surface system, or an irrigation system fitted with underground drippers. Remember to clean the filters regularly," he added.

Westernport Water wants your garden to flourish, and suggests the following:

• Shandy grey water with potable water and share it around … ensure that the grey water is used in various parts of the garden.
• Do not apply grey water to plants’ leaves.
• Don’t overwater. Puddles are bad.
• Use low-sodium and low-phosphorus soaps and detergents.
• Allow the grey water to filter through mulch.                                         
• Don’t use nappy wash water on the garden.
• Make sure the water is cool before applying it to plants.
• Don’t let run-off flow into drains.
• Don’t use the kitchen waste water because it usually contains fat and oils.

How you apply, and how often you apply grey water to the garden depends on your soil and choice of soaps, detergents and other cleaners.

"Different products contain different concentrations of ingredients, so we cannot offer a rule-of-thumb on safe application," Mr Jackson said.

Permanent water saving rules apply to all areas serviced by Westernport Water

1.              Handheld hoses must be fitted with a trigger nozzle and then may be used to wash cars and water garden and lawns at any time;

2.              Manual watering systems can only be used between 7pm and 10am;

3.              Automatic watering systems can only be used between 10pm and 10am;

4.              No hosing of paved areas except in specified circumstances;

5.              Before filling new pools/spas with a capacity of 2000 litres or more, a water conservation plan must be lodged with, and approved by, Westernport Water;

6.              Non-residential customers who use more than 10ML/year of drinking water must develop a water management action plan (called a waterMAP).

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: susanw@ptarmigan.com.au

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