Frequently Ask Questions

Q. How this system works?

A. The process begins by collecting your home's greywater from the laundry, shower, basins and bath. From here the water passes a large filter which will carefully remove any large particles. This water will then continue to a large 600 litre tank (located either above or underground). Once the tank is filled up a ten hour cleansing process begins. Please note this greywater recycling system uses no chemicals. Once the process is complete the water passes through another small filter and a UV light. The water is now up to "Class A standard" meeting the EPA's 20/30/10 standard which means that treated water complies with government agencies guidelines for grey water recycling, so it is safe to re-use around the garden, toilet flushing, laundry, path washing and car washing but “never for drinking purposes”.

Q. Can this unit be installed in an old house or is it just for new houses?

A. The EnviroWater unit is suitable for new and old houses of any size, it is also suitable for multiple units in sewerage areas and as enhancement of septic tank in un-sewerage areas. Site inspection is always required to ensure that installations of the unit is feasible.

Q. What is the recycling capacity range of the unit per day?

A. The standard EnviroWater unit recycles a minimum of 500 litres and a maximum of 1000 litres of greywater per day.

Q. Are other sizes available?

A. Yes, larger sizes are available for commercial use; i.e. block of flats.

Q. What is the cost of recycled water compared to tap water cost?

A. Estimated average cost recycled water is $0.35/ KL compared to average retail cost of tap water of $1.80/ KL.

Q. What is the approximately electricity consumption of this unit?

A. The pump, the UV lamp and the electrical control panel (PLC) generate approximately 0.1 KW per hour and the current electricity cost is about 12¢ per KW per hour.

Q. How long can the water be stored?

A. Given that the water is up to "Class A standard" the water is able to be stored indefinitely, without the possibility of the water becoming putrid or letting off any sort of smell.

Q. Where can this treated water be use?

A. Treated greywater can be used around the home, for above irrigation of all lawns, gardens and even vegetable patches you may have. Keeping your soil wet is very important as it will help prevent the cracking of driveways, concrete foundations and even brickwork. Treated greywater can also be used to wash cars, laundry washing and toilet flushing.

Q. Is this treated water drinkable?

A. No. The treated water complies with government agencies guidelines for grey water recycling, so it is safe to re-use around the garden, toilet flushing, laundry, path washing and car washing but “never for drinking purposes”.

Q. Can I treat my kitchen water?

A. Most of the water being dispersed from the kitchen contains some of grease. This grease must first be filtered using a grease trap before being able to enter the ESA EnviroWater Unit. Please, if you feel that you would also like to have your kitchen water treated speak to an ESA representative to find out more information.

Q. Do I need to use environmentally friendly products?

A. The ESA EnviroWater Unit has been designed to work well with the everyday products used by the average family, by combining a number of specifically placed filters and using bio-mineral process, all compounds are able to be broken down effectively. However a liquid laundry detergent usage is preferred to avoid high sodium salt content of powder detergents and the use of biodegradable detergents will definitely give a better performance of the greywater treatment system. Research information by Dr. Robert A. Patterson, regarding detergents and the reuse of domestic greywater can be access at the Lanfax Labortories web site.

Q. Is there a government rebate available on this unit?

A. Yes, a $500 rebate can be claimed on permanent greywater tank systems. (for more information on the Victoria rebate scheme visit www.ourwater.vic.gov.au)

Q. Is a council permit required to install this unit?

A. Yes, if you live in Victoria, you will need to contact your local council and lodge an application. There is a permit fee which varies from council to council; contact your local council for information on application fees. However if you live in the ACT you will not need a council permit but you will need a plumbing inspection after installation is completed before you are allowed to use your new greywater system.

Q. What is required to apply for government rebate?

A. To apply for government rebate, you need to:
1.- Keep your purchase receipt.
2.- Have your plumber provide you with a certificate of compliance once the system is installed.
Once you have completed these two items, contact your local water authority and request that they send you a rebate application form to complete. You will be required to provide your water authority with the purchase receipt and certificate of compliance.
Your water authority will then credit your water account for the rebate amount. Application forms can also be download from your water authority web site or collected in person at their office.

Q. How much does the installation cost?

A. Installation cost will differ from customer to customer as there are a number of factors that need to be taken into considerations. The best thing to do is to contact your local plumber for a quote on bringing all the greywater pipes in 100mm diameter to the point where you like the unit to be installed or if your greywater lines are already joint into a common point, you can use that point to connect to the ESA Enviro Water. All this work can be quoted by a licensed plumber.

Q. What are the maintenance requirements?

A. With regards to maintenance of the units, the following applies:

Monthly:
            Clean 130 micron disk filter
Quarterly :
            Clean grit chamber filter sock (contents to compost bin)
            Clean UV lamp glass sleeve
Annually:
            All of the above + check pumps, tanks, electrical components, etc. to     ensure system works properly.
Water quality testing by a registered NATA accredited laboratory (if required)

3 yearly:
           De-sludging of system using a water operated pump discharging to sewer
            Replace U.V. lamp

Q. What is included in the ESA Envirowater kit?

A. ESA Envirowater Kit:

Grit chamber. Collects hair and other solids particles which may affect pump performance

Biofiltration tank, one piece reinforced polyethylene tank. One piece rotomoulded.

Biofiltration media. Proprietary biofiltration media, the key to the envirowater system.

Two option tops: Pebbles dish for open fountain design or sealed top version (no fountain design)

Submersible pumps(2) for recirculation of water around the system

Level switches for automatic On/Off operation

Electrically operated closing/opening actuator valve. Prevents mixing of treated water with untreated wastewater

Electrical Control Panel, Micrologix computer for automatic operation

Sound/light alarm

U.V. disinfection, keeps water clean and low salt levels

Home owners operation & maintenance manual

Installation manual

Certificate of compliance by NATA accredited laboratory

2 year warranty on all electrical items

15 year warranty on all plastic items manufactured by ESA Pty Ltd

ESA EnviroWater Greywater Diverter

Q. Is greywater safe to irrigate my garden?

A. Yes. Our system can collects water from laundry, baths and showers only. This is suitable for lawn and flower beds but not for irrigating fruit and vegetable patches.

Q. Will detergents cause any harm to my garden?

A. No. But we do recommend using eco friendly, biodegradable household cleaning products, as well as natural or organic body soaps and shampoos. An important point to remember when using untreated greywater is to: DO NOT USE BLEACH. Research information by Dr. Robert A. Patterson, regarding detergents and the reuse of domestic greywater can be access at the Lanfax Labortories web site.

Q. Is this diverter suitable for any home?

A. Yes. providing the greywater pipes are externally accessible.

Q. How does it works?

A. Greywater is diverted into a collection tank, were it passes through a filter collecting gross solids (i.e. hair, grit, lint, etc.) then when the maximum level of water is reached the submersible pump automatically switch on and pump this water directly to your garden.

Q. Is filtration necessary?

A. Yes; filtration will prevent clogging of the irrigation system. These filters have to be cleaned regularly as instructed in the user's manual.

Q. Is there any regulation on using greywater?

A. Yes. Legislation requires that greywater must be kept within the boundaries of the property in which it was produced. Make sure greywater used on your garden doesn't run off into neighbouring properties or storm water drains. Requirements for greywater use and systems can vary from state to state. You should check your state government and local council regulations for installing greywater systems.

If you have another question, please Contact Us

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