Using recycled water

Discover how recycled water can be used around your property.

Recycled water is wastewater that has been collected and treated so it can be reused for a variety of non-drinking purposes.

After undergoing an intensive treatment and cleaning process at a recycled water plant, the water is piped back as recycled water via purple-coloured pipes to be reused. Learn more about how recycled water is treated on our Treating recycled water page.

By using recycled water you:

  • reduce our reliance on drinking water supplies
  • save money because recycled water is charged at the lowest water rate no matter how much you use 

Recycled water usage is exempt from Permanent Water Saving Rules.

Recycled water at your property

Recycled water is only available on properties where purple taps and pipes have been installed. The purple tap can be found outside your property.

Purple taps on your property must have a sign on them that says they are recycled water taps and should not be used for drinking. It is your responsibility to maintain this signage.

Recycled water usage is charged the same as the cheapest level of drinking water. You will also see a recycled water service charge on your bill which covers the cost of the additional infrastructure required to supply the recycled water.

Storage of recycled water on residential properties is not currently allowed.

How recycled water is used

After treatment, recycled water is classified into Class A, Class B and Class C. Each class of recycled water has specific uses.

Class A recycled water is provided to residential customers with purple pipes and can be used for:

  • flushing toilets (excluding bidets)
  • watering the garden, including vegetables
  • washing cars
  • washing outdoor furniture and external house cleaning
  • fire-fighting
  • ornamental ponds and water features
  • washing clothes
  • washing machines (for houses built after January 2015)
  • washing and feeding pets.

Class A recycled water is also provided for approved commercial uses in areas where recycled water is available and cannot be used for:

  • drinking
  • cooking or other kitchen purposes
  • bathing, showering or swimming, including water play, children's water toys and filling pools
  • evaporative cooling systems
  • sanitary spray/bidet.

Class B and Class C recycled water can replace the need to use drinking water for a number of commercial and agricultural applications.

Approved agricultural purposes include:

  • irrigation of human food crops grown over 1 metre above the ground and eaten raw (including apples, pears and table grapes)
  • human food crops cooked or processed before sale (including wheat, wine grapes and olives)
  • irrigation of pasture and fodder for some grazing animals including sheep, goats and horses.

Class B and Class C recycled water can also be used for:

  • recreational turf washdown
  • lavender gardens
  • tree plantations
  • nurseries
  • public open spaces and botanic gardens
  • racecourse irrigation
  • council use
  • commercial, industrial and public space use of recycled water.
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Greater Western Water respectfully acknowledges the peoples of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Owners of the lands and waters on which our service area lies. We pay our deepest respects to their Ancestors and Elders past, present and emerging.

ABN 70 066 902 467 Greater Western Water

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