Don’t understand recycled water? It’s nothing to flush about
22 May 2026
Most of us understand the importance of having access to safe and reliable drinking water, especially during dry conditions.
What’s less front of mind is how crucial alternative water sources are to a water-secure future. That’s where recycled water comes in.
So what is recycled water, what do we use it for, what are the different types and why does it matter now more than ever that we find new uses for it?
Over the next three weeks, Greater Western Water will be sharing some recycled water facts that may come to mind the next time you turn on the faucet.
What is recycled water?
Recycled water is water that’s been used before and then treated so it can be used again. It typically starts as wastewater from our kitchen, bathroom, laundry or from toilet flushing, as well as wastewater from other commercial uses.
Greater Western Water (GWW) customers may be surprised to learn that GWW is one of Australia’s largest producers of recycled water.
In 2024-25, we produced about 8.3 billion litres of recycled water for our customers. That’s the equivalent of about 3400 Olympic sized swimming pools of drinking water saved.
Thanks to recycled water plants in Melton, Altona and Sunbury, Woodend, Romsey, Gisborne, Bacchus Marsh and Riddells Creek, GWW is treating wastewater from approximately 90,000 households across our vast service region.
We also send significant amounts to Melbourne Water’s Western Treatment Plant, as this is the way infrastructure in the Melbourne CBD and inner suburbs is designed. Some of this water is then returned to us as recycled water for further treatment and distribution to our customers.
Once treated, recycled water is delivered to specific service areas – for a range of agricultural and commercial uses, including green spaces and gardens - through a separate network of clearly identifiable purple pipes, to prevent cross-connection with drinking water.
Why does it matter?
The recycled water GWW produces plays a vital role in supplying Melbourne’s north and west with safe and sustainable alternative water sources.
Because it is climate-independent, recycled water can provide an important buffer during dry periods. It helps communities, farmers and businesses continue operating while reducing pressure on precious drinking water supplies.
Across our service area, thousands of homes, businesses and farms already use our recycled water every day.
Is it safe?
In Victoria, the use of recycled water is carefully regulated to make sure it’s safe for people and the environment.
Among other environmental reasons, the reuse of wastewater is another reason why it’s important only to flush the three p’s - pee, poo and paper.
GWW regularly tests the water to make sure it’s safe for what it is used for.
We work closely with customers and regulators to make sure recycled water is treated and managed according to the regulations set by the Victorian Environment Protection Authority and the Australian Guidelines for Water Recycling.
These guidelines increasingly recognise climate change impacts and the need to scale up recycled water use to improve urban, environmental and agricultural outcomes.
