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Limited supplies of freshwater are of concern worldwide. The ever growing demand for water for agricultural purposes warrants the need for alternative water sources for irrigational purposes. Soap-based grey water was used to irrigate fluted pumpkin plants (Telfairia occidentalis) at different frequencies of wetting for a period of 3 months; this was coupled with the concomitant effects of shading conditions. The results obtained showed that grey water had favourable effects on the growth and yield of Telfairia occidentalis, having little or no effect on the proximate content. With regard to yield, determined herein as number of leaflets, since the plant is majorly utilized for its leafy vegetable, was better under partial shade; no significant differences were recorded for leaf area under various shading conditions. Increased superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in higher plants, as reported in this study, is an indication of disturbed physiological stress condition, triggered by biotic stress condition. Thus grey water can serve as alternative source of irrigation while augmenting with fresh water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]