Ipswich City Council

Ipswich Water > Residential > Conserving Water >

Alternative Water Sources

Our drought prone climate and booming region mean relying solely on traditional water sources such as dams and weirs can no longer provide a sustainable water source for future generations.

Alternative water sources include rainwater, greywater, recycled water, storm water and bore water. When utilised effectively, these reduce the strain on town water supply and promote a more sustainable lifestyle in terms of how we use water.

Please note that class A and B recycled water is not suitable for residential use.

Rainwater

Rainwater and rainwater tanks are the most popular and accepted alternative source amongst residents. Rainwater tanks provide one of the ways in which Ipswich residents are moving towards more sustainable urban living, bringing significant benefits both to you and the environment.

Did you know? A rainwater tank can supplement your water supply by up to 100,000 litres:

saving you money on water bills;
greater self-sufficiency;
added value to your home;
reduction of storm-water run-off;
reducing demand on town water supply, therefore reducing need for new dams;
protecting remaining environmental flows in rivers;
reducing infrastructure operating costs, and reducing energy used in pumping water, thereby lowering greenhouse gas emissions;
allows you to become more in tune with the environment and weather patterns; and
rainwater is not bound by restrictions.

Greywater

Greywater is wastewater generated from household showers, baths, laundries and wash basins. Even in great times of drought, this important water source can be used to maintain your garden and lawn all year round.

Greywater needs to be used correctly with caution taken to ensure health and safety risks are minimised. For example, water from the kitchen is generally not suitable greywater as it contains fats, grease and oil which can cause problems.

Some important greywater tips:

use low phosphorus, sodium (salt) and nitrogen content detergents, shampoos and other cleaning products, to avoid damage to your soil and plants;
avoid continually using greywater on the same spot as some soils are less tolerant of greywater;
always apply greywater directly to the soil, not the leaves, as it can remove the waxy out coating of plant foliage;
be careful when using on native plants and do not use greywater on edible plants (i.e. fruits and vegetables);
keep greywater away from children's play areas and ensure it does not enter swimming pools or flow into neighbouring properties; and
always ensure proper hygiene precautions when handling greywater - wash your hands thoroughly.

See our interesting article - How to Make the Most of Greywater (PDF, 218 kb)

For more information on greywater, visit the Department of Local Government and Planning.

Purified Recycled Water

The Premier announced in January 2007 that purified recycled water will be added to South East Queensland's drinking supplies as part of a broader water security and supply plan.

Purified recycled water is expected to be available by December 2008 from the Western Corridor Recycled Water Scheme.

Purified recycled water is wastewater that has been treated to the highest standard through a 7-barrier treatment system.
This drinking-quality water is then blended into another water supply source such as a dam, flowing river or aquifer that provides an environmental buffer.
All water extracted from the water supply source that receives purified recycled water is treated at a drinking water treatment plant before distribution to consumers.

For more information and to get all the facts, visit the Queensland Water Commission or call them on 1300 789 906.

Last Updated 17 Apr 2008 |

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