Garden watering bans are a fact of life these days, and not just in dry climes like much of Australia and the Western US. But a new Australian invention can keep lawns and gardens green without using any extra household water.
The Water-Leech, which retails for AUD 200 and up is a breadbox-sized device with a universal hose attachment that hooks up to shower or sink drains. Instead of letting grey water escape down the drain, a pump in the unit draws it into a self-contained storage tank. The pump is powered by a rechargeable battery instead of a wall plug to prevent any possibility of electric shock while it’s in operation. When the Water-Leech tank is full, owners simply wheel the unit outside to water their plants. (Providing biodegradable soaps and detergents are used, water from showers, baths, laundry, sinks and dishwashers is completely reusable.)
Water-Leech inventor Paul O’Callaghan believes his product fills a vital need at a time when environmental experts point with alarm at fast diminishing global water supplies. Though attractively styled and relatively compact, the Water-Leech still might seem a cumbersome way to reclaim water. But competing systems used to collect grey water must be retrofitted into a home’s plumbing, a task which can cost thousands of dollars.
And even in areas without restrictions, the unit’s ability to reuse water can help it pay for itself. O’Callaghan says the average households can conserve 35,000 liters annually, which adds up to a nice way to keep gardens green and help conserve precious drinking water. Thanks to his product’s success in Australia, his company is building out a worldwide network, which spells opportunities for potential distributors outside Australia.
Website: www.waterleech.com.au
Contact: sales@whatwaterrestrictions.com.au
Spotted by: Wendy Williams
NOTE: We've received various alarming messages from people who paid for a Water Leech but haven't received the product. While we still think the Water Leech is a great idea, we would advise you not to order one online. Please also see the comments below.
It is worth noting for the North American readers thinking of importing these types of setups, that graywater use is often illegal or hampered by regulations.
My understanding is that in very few places (mainly California and Florida in the US) it is allowed and regulated. In Canada, it's not common at all except for rainbarrel setups.
The problem in North America is that because no one has gone to the trouble to regulate it, determine what setups are safe, determine what the risks are (perceived or real) and then standardize it, that most places have just simply outlawed the entire thing.
It's disappointing because, as we all know, water is going to only become more expensive and more in demand.
Just wanted to point out that you should check with your local government before investing...it's a good idea, you just need to be sure you can use it!
not exactly a new idea, many Japanese (and possibly elsewhere) have been reusing water from baths to do laundry for years.
Great for a bungalow with a garden and a 'power lifter' to move the thing around, wheels or no wheels. 60 and 90 litre capacity, plus the weight of the equipment.
Top tip, if you live on a ground floor, are that concerned about "grey water" (which is a recyclable product) buy a stirrup pump or bilge pump from the appropriate retailer. The rest you can work out.
There is perhaps an argument to say that by not returning the grey water for recycling but using the water on silly lawns then you are adding to the loss of "precious water our most valuable asset".
I placed an order with Water Leech 10months ago and I am still waiting for delivery. They refuse to return calls, their customer service number is diverted to a mobile that does not answer, I have emailed them around 15 times (with no response). They gladly accepted my money and no refuse to advise what is happening. There is no street address to follow them up with
I urge you to think long and hard before you purchase anything off this company - they clearly have some financial issues
I placed an order for a 60 ltr unit and have received it. I had to wait a while but it did arrive. My mum also ordered a 30 ltr unit and it arrived recently. I say congratulations to the inventor, I could only imagine how difficult it could be to get a product to market. I wish them well and hope they have great success.
I'm also wondering how earnest these guys are. After a long e-mail explaining to them that this product could well in South Africa, I'm still waiting for a reply. If this the way they conduct their business, I'd rather let it slide and look for other opportunies.
I placed an order with this company in March of this year and am still waiting for the product. After endless emails, phone messages (when you could actually get someone on the phone) I contacted Consumer Affairs. They could not even get a person to speak to them. I paid for the product in March, it is now nearing end of November. I still want the product, as I believe in it but hey..........even if they're inundated with orders, they will learn if they hope to be there in the long run that customer service is a MUST DO TO DO WELL IN BUSINESS.
I also placed an order and paid for a unit in Feb of this year, amd am still waiting. I have emailed, with no response, and am now even more frustrated to see on their website all contact information has been removed. I will try Consumer Affairs, the more people who complain the more likely there will be a response. All I want to know is that I am still on the backorder list.
Sales direct to the public have been stopped, so at least no other poor suckers will be caught out.
I placed an order in Feb 2007 and have not received it Dec 2007 and are trying for a refund through Paypal as I cannot contact the company anymore. The same will probably hasppen in the USA as I notice there is no phone number or real address on the US website.
Dodgy - buyer beware.
I placed an order in Oct 07. I've tried emailing and calling the operator but with no response. I have lodged complaints with the ACCC and Consumer Affairs Victoria. I also tried to receive a refund through PayPal (which was decided in my favour) however the operator has withdrawn all funds from his PayPal account. (Note: he is still trading with another PayPal account on his .US site)
Waterleech is a scam.
Myself and a mate of mine had ordered a 60L unit in Oct 07.
Neither of us have received the unit and I'm convinced that we've been conned big time - a real pity as its a great concept.
I'm suspicious of Leslie O'Conner's comments dated 30th October - its about when Waterleech was doing its best to get the most orders before Paypal pulled the plug.
Waterleech is now attempting the same scam but on a much bigger scale in the US (see www.waterleech.us). Obviously I'm a great Aussie sucker for being conned!
I live in Melbourne Australia and thought this a wonderful Idea - I paid for one of these nearly 12 months ago last January. I have had enough after one return email 6 months ago - they have since never responded to my emails or left phone messages. I have contacted the ACCC and left my email transcript on my blog http://nonscensical.blogspot.com/
If you live in Australia and have been scammed by Waterleech, please lodge an official complaint with Consumer Affairs Victoria. They are currently investigating Waterleech. (You can also lodge a complaint with them if you reside in another state)
Submit online complaint at:
https://submit.justice.vic.gov.au/CA25691800094F30/CAVConsumerComplaint?OpenForm
I, too have been conned by Water Leech. I purchased a 90lt unit in Feb 2007 and have received nothing, nor will anyone reply to emails etc or phone calls.
Be aware anyone who invests in the Water Leech... I learnt the hard way.
At present I am going through Consumer Affairs who are preparing a report, seems like a lot of people may have been conned as well.
It really makes me mad that there are people that prey on others, and mad that I was one of them conned!!!
Julie, Feb, 2008.
I too am an Aussie sucker. I purchased a 30lt unit in June 07 and haven't received it. I have recently lodged a complaint through Victorian Consumer Affairs and also lodged my story through Today tonight and A Current Affairs programs.
I also purchased one of the smaller units at $199.95 May 07 after seeing the unit demonstrated on TV. I have tried contacting them by phone which never answered and I emailed them numerous time and have yet to get an answer. Looks like this mob of scammers have robbed us blind. Hope they get caught.
We also ordered a Water Leech (90litre) in Feb 2007. Paid a cheque and contacted them many times by phone and also by Email. By the middle of the year (2007) we stopped getting any replies and have put it in the hands of Consumer Affairs.
We have never posted a comment on this before
I, too, have been "sucked in" by WaterLeech (should be called MoneyLeech!). Ordered one in March '07 and have gone througth all the communication hassles and frustrations as everybody else. I'm just relieved I'm not the only one! Have lodged a complaint with Consumer Affairs Victoria and urge anyone else who's been ripped off to do the same.
I was also scammed by water-leech. he seems to havbe fooled many many people. Please contact Consumer Affairs Victoria.
I ordered a Waterleech in January 2007 and guess what, I never received one either. I have been in touch with Consumer Affairs and they are getting a case together so please complain to them. I know I won't get my money back but I would like to get Paul O'Callagan back for what he has done to me and everyone else. If Leslie O'Connor (October 30, 2007 10:12 AM) Has received her Waterleech I would love to see it. How come she is the only one to get one.
I am another rip-off victim. I appreciate any advice to go after these people. I am in the US, which makes it a bit tricky. However, I am designing my own version of the product, and so might attract their attention should they have any patent issues. If I hear from them, I will post again.
I had wanted to buy a waterleech but am so grateful I found this site. Pity it's a scam. Paul O'Callagan is now runingthe same scam in the US at a hugely inflated price. Hopefully the authorities will catch up with him soon. Make me ashamed of being an ozzie.
"Wonder if its the same P o'callaghan that ran a similar scam with hydronic heating "Mr Hydronics" that has since been deregisterd in Aus as well?"
... Yes, Same Guy !!
I also placed an order and had no end of trouble with these people, no product no refund upon request and finally I had to take it to the consumer affairs office her ein victoria, and thankfully my Bank (bless their soles) refunded my money and they chased the company for the money. BUYERS BEWARE IF YOU ACTUALLY GET YOUR PRODUCT GOOD LUCK.......
I also placed an order. Phoned, emailed...to no avail. On the 16/08/07 was promised a refund cheque.Yes,you guessed it, now I am waiting for this cheque. Shame, shame on you
Josephine/December 3,2008
Need to get in contact with Gary Emmons from the US. Please advise if this is possible.
Regards
Andrew