Use these links to jump to our answers. If you have a question we haven’t covered, please contact us to find out more.
What is greywater?
Greywater is water that has been used in washing machines, baths, showers and hand basins. It does not include water from toilets and it contains no sewage.
What is blackwater?
Blackwater is wastewater that has been contaminated with water discharged from a toilet.
Where can I use treated greywater and blackwater?
For greywater, Aquacell’s clever water recycling systems treat it to a high standard that makes it safe and suitable for:
- watering landscaped areas by irrigation
- flushing toilets
- washing machines
- car washing
- water features
- cooling tower applications
Blackwater treated with an Aquacell water recycling system can be used for:
- watering landscaped areas by irrigation
- flushing toilets
- water features
- cooling tower applications
- car washing
Can I drink treated greywater?
No. Treated greywater and blackwater is not suitable for drinking. It shouldn’t be used for personal washing or cooking either.
How does Aquacell treat greywater and blackwater?
Each process is slightly different but here’s an overview of the process.
- The wastewater is pumped from a collection point into the Aquacell system.
- Air is then diffused into the untreated wastewater to grow micro-organisms that help break down contaminants.
- The aerated water is then passed through a filter that removes particles, bacteria and viruses.
- In the final step, filtered water is disinfected with UV light. We also add a small amount of chlorine to protect the water while in storage.
- Once treated, the final tank stores the purified water ready for use.
- The entire recycled water system is remotely monitored by Aquacell.
Visit our Systems section to learn more about the specifics of treating greywater and treating blackwater.
How good is the water recycled with Aquacell’s systems?
Recycled water looks just like normal tap water. It is colourless, odourless and sterile. Just remember, it is not suitable for drinking.
What precautions are in place to protect my health?
Aquacell sites have a dual pipe system, which means the recycled water is transported in a separate pipe system to the drinking water (‘mains water’). The separate pipe system is coloured purple and all recycled water is transported via the purple pipe.
Purple pipes, tap fittings and hoses are used wherever recycled water is in use. There are also multiple back-flow prevention devices installed in our wastewater treatment systems.
All our systems meet the strict national plumbing guidelines and requirements that ensure treated water never mixes with your drinking water. Plumbing connections are checked regularly so there’s no chance of cross connection.
We’re here to help. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
How do I make a complaint?
We have an easy and accessible complaints process in place should something go wrong. Please contact us should you wish to make a complaint.
If your complaint relates to these two sites:
- 1 Bligh Street, Sydney
- Kurrajong Tallowood
The Energy & Water Ombudsman is a free and independent service that can provide information, advice and assistance to residential and small-business customers. If you are not happy with our handling of a complaint or you wish to seek independent advice about it, you always have the option to contact the Energy & Water Ombudsman NSW for Water Industry Competition Act (2008) (WICA) related complaints. The Energy and Water Ombudsman NSW’s contact details are below:
Energy & Water Ombudsman NSW (EWON)
Freecall: 1800 246 545
Freefax: 1800 812 291
Online: https://www.ewon.com.au/
Email: complaints@ewon.com.au
Mail: Reply Paid 86550, Sydney South NSW 1234