The benefits of going grey

Jim and Gwen Farrell are a retired couple who live in Shepparton, Victoria. The Farrells have taken some great initiative in making their home more water efficient, both inside and outside their house, earning them an entry into the house and garden categories of Goulburn Valley Water’s Waterwise Award. Their house is so water efficient, we thought we would share some secrets with you, courtesy of the Farrells.

Go grey gracefully

Firstly, they have installed a greywater system that collects the wash water after the first rinse cycle on their washing machine. This water is then used on plants but also plumbed inside to use for flushing the toilet.

Front loaders save water

Front loader washing machines are extremely efficient but it’s only worth upgrading if your current machine stops working and the Farrell’s top loader is still going strong after eight years.  Jim has found a way to ensure that none of that water goes to waste.  A garden friendly detergent is used in the wash, and the first cycle is diverted down the drain which gets rid of most of the suds.  The water is diverted to a storage tank where it awaits being flushed down the toilet or used on the garden.

Greywater is GREYT for plants

There are about 35-40 pot plants at the side of the house which survive on the greywater and they look amazing.  Greywater is a really great resource for getting plants through those long dry summers – especially for plants that do traditionally require more water.  Jim has made it easier for himself as well, ensuring that all the pot plants are in close proximity to the greywater tank.

Jim and his greywater tank

Inside the house

The Farrells have water efficient showerheads and taps. Their dishwasher only gets turned on once it’s completely full, although Jim admits that Gwen is usually responsible for packing the dishes.

Jim grew up on a farm where they didn’t have much, they were limited to one bath per week so he learnt to conserve the few resources they did have like water.

The Farrell household is an entrant into the house and garden categories of Goulburn Valley Water’s Waterwise Award.

To investigate if a greywater system is right for, try the online program GreySmart, available for free at www.GreySmart.com.au.

Have you been doing some great water saving activities around your house? Let us know by posting a comment below…