Tamworth council: recycled greywater a long-term solution argued Cr Helen Tickle

The sustainability-savvy Cr Tickle wants Tamworth Regional Council to promote two greywater recycling systems.

"A lot of people are very supportive of this because it has been done elsewhere, people want to do something about recycling, not just now in the drought," Cr Tickle said.

"We can't continue putting drinking quality water down our toilets, it doesn't make sense."

Councillors will vote on Tuesday to decide whether to fund an engagement strategy and workshops with stakeholders about recycled greywater.

There are two types of systems homeowners can install.

The first is a greywater diversion system that takes water from the laundry, shower and bathroom sink through an irrigation system to be used on the garden.

That kind of system doesn't require council approval and can be installed simply by a plumber.

The second is a little more complex, but allows greywater to be treated and reused in the loo, laundry or garden.

It's consumers who would reap the rewards, Cr Tickle said.

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"The second one is best to put in, we should be promoting the use and benefits of that in new subdivisions where it's much easier to install for new homes," she said.

"The benefit is you have water all year round.

"In an average home of four people, the laundry and bathroom alone captures 4000L a week going into a tank, that's significant to put back through in your toilet and also have it out on your garden."

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