Environmental issues – people’s views and practices

Grey water was being used by more than half (55%) of all Australian households in 2007, according to figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

Grey water was the second most common source of water after mains/town water.

Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory had the highest proportion of households using grey water, at 72% and 63% respectively.

Nearly a quarter of Australian households used grey water as their main water source for the garden, with Victoria and Queensland the highest users, at 43% and 27% respectively.

Other findings were:

•The majority of Australian households are undertaking water saving activities; 67% save water in the bathroom, 64% in the laundry, 50% in the kitchen and 40% in the toilet.
•More than half (55%) of all households have at least one water efficient shower head.
•Almost three-quarters (74%) of new homes (under one year old) have water efficient shower heads, compared to just under half (46%) in homes older than 30 years.
•Most households (81%) have at least one dual-flush toilet, compared with 39% in 1994.
•Nearly one in five (19%) households have a rainwater tank, up from 17% in 2004 and 15% in 1994.

Further details are in Environmental Issues: People’s Views and Practices at www.abs.gov.au.