What is the difference between rainwater and greywater?
Greywater is wastewater originating from the mains potable water supply that has been used for baths, showers, basins, and washing machines (kitchen sinks are excluded due to fats, grease, and oils) Rainwater is water collected from the external surfaces of buildings or hard standings by diverting the flow to a storage tank. Unlike greywater, for most non-potable demands, rainwater does not require chemical, physical nor biological treatment before use, making maintenance of rainwater harvesting systems generally easier and cheaper. Rainwater is ideal for fountains, fish ponds, etc, and is more acceptable than greywater as a source of irrigation water. In some cases greywater can be harmful to plants & crops. WC’s and Bidet wastes are not to be installed to a greywater system but must go direct into the sewer system (Blackwater). Storage of untreated greywater must be kept to a minimum and reasonable use must occur each day to avoid creating a nuisance or health concern.
