A Code of Practice for Vessel and Facility Management: Marine and Inland Waters has been under development by the EPA since 2004.

It is anticipated that the code will be launched early this year, with timeframes for compliance built in to ensure vessel operators are given adequate time to consider their circumstance and make any necessary improvements.

The requirements will firstly apply to newly constructed vessels with existing commercial vessels and permanently occupied vessels to follow sometime after.

National Association of Testing Authorities testing results determined Mr Newton's patented 'Newtreat Filtration System' met proposed EPA standards for treated grey water discharge into the River Murray.

"This brings to fruition a project that has been under way for over six years," Mr Newton said.

"It has been a very challenging task and we are delighted that a system developed in a Mannum backyard workshop met the stringent standards set by the authorities," Mr Newton said.

"It has not been an easy journey.

"Sustained field trials on houseboats over the last two years meant we were constantly confronted with challenges that had to be overcome.

"The houseboat system has to cope with grey water containing dissolved or undissolved fats and oils, food scraps that contain nutrients, household chemicals, soaps and detergents that are rich in phosphates and nitrates and microbiological pathogens that include bacteria and viruses.

"In other words, we had to deal with all water on houseboats that had been used during food preparation, washing laundering bathing and showering.

"In addition we had to undertake all the work associated with gaining a patent.

"We have also had to liaise as closely as possible with several State Government authorities and other interested organisations, like the Boating Industry Association of South Australia, in order to produce the best result."

Mr Newton said negotiations were under way to appoint a manufacturer.