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Aurora recycled water projectAurora recycled water estate

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Class A recycled water?

Class A recycled water is produced from water that is discharged from your home's shower, toilet, sink and washing machine. This water is treated to a standard that is specified for non-drinking use in domestic applications. It is suitable for washing clothes, flushing toilets and for outdoor uses such as washing cars, watering gardens and irrigating public open spaces.


Does recycled water smell bad or look different from drinking water?

No, Class A recycled water looks like drinking water and has no odour. The quality of the recycled water will be continuously monitored during the treatment process to ensure compliance with standards set by the Department of Health and EPA Victoria.

Will my property be supplied with recycled water?

All homes at Aurora are plumbed to provide recycled water (by your builder). Class A recycled water is available for flushing toilets and external use in completed homes. 

From July 2010 Class A recycled water can also be used for washing clothes.  All new dwellings must have a recycled water tap, in addition to the hot water and cold water taps, for the clothes washing machine.

When will recycled water be available?

Class A recycled water is now available. 

How much drinking water will I save by living at Aurora?

Homes connected to recycled water are expected to use about one-third less drinking water than domestic residences that rely solely on drinking water supplies.

The use of Class A recycled water at Aurora is expected to save around 480 million litres of drinking water per year when the estate is fully developed.

When will we get the purple taps?
 
Yarra Valley Water has already contacted you to coordinate the replacement of your garden taps with purple taps. A ‘do not drink’ warning sign is also installed above the purple tap. These purple taps have removable handles which should be removed and stored when not in use. 

Will I have a drinking water tap in the garden?

Yes, you should have at least one drinking water tap outside. This should have been installed by your builder during the construction stage.

Do I need a plumber to connect?

No, all the required recycled water plumbing is completed as part of the house construction.

Do any of my tap washers, etc. need to be replaced?
 
No.

Do I need a plumber to adjust the water pressure?

No.

What can I use Class A recycled water for?
 
Class A recycled water is not intended for human consumption. It is suitable for:
• Washing clothes
• Flushing toilets
• Washing cars on grassed areas
• Watering lawns, gardens, vegetable patches
  and open spaces
• Filling ornamental ponds and water features*
• Fighting fires

* Water in ponds or water features may need to be changed regularly as algae may grow due to the nutrients in the recycled water.

What can’t I use Class A recycled water for?

Class A recycled water is not suitable for:
• Drinking
• Cooking, food preparation or other kitchen purposes
• Bathing or showering
• Evaporative coolers
• Filling swimming pools or spas
• Children’s slip and slides or other water toys

Is Class A recycled water safe for children?

Class A recycled water is not suitable for children to drink or play in. While it has been treated to Class A standards, it is only appropriate for toilet flushing and garden watering. The removable handles should be stored away from the purple taps when not in use to prevent accidental misuse by children.

Strict standards and guidelines from EPA Victoria and the Department of Health apply to the recycled water treatment process. The recycled water production process will be continuously monitored to ensure these standards are met. 

Can I use Class A recycled water on plants?

Yes. Class A recycled water has a higher salt content than drinking water, but less than bore or river water. It also contains more nitrogen and phosphorus, which are ingredients used in fertilisers and could have an impact on some plants, particularly in the seedling stage. Check with your nursery before selecting plants for your garden.

Do water restrictions apply?
 
No. Grey water and recycled water can be used freely under current water restrictions. However, while Class A recycled water is free of restrictions, it is still a valuable resource.

Can I have a sprinkler system and wash the car?

Yes, once the Class A recycled water is available you may use it for washing cars and watering the garden while adhering to water conservation principles. You should use a trigger nozzle when washing your car and water over a grassed area. Plants should only be watered during the night or the early hours of the morning.

Can I use Class A recycled water in my washing machine?

EPA Victoria allows for Class A recycled water to be used in washing machines and Yarra Valley Water will allow from 1 July 2010.  If you are currently building your home in a recycled water area, you may install a recycled water tap into the laundry for clothes washing.

How do I check my recycled water plumbing?

Your recycled water plumbing has been inspected by the Plumbing Industry Commission during house construction to ensure that the recycled water supply has only been plumbed to all toilets and to external garden taps. Recycled water must not be connected to any internal taps in the bathroom, shower, laundry or kitchen. Click here for more information.

How can I help ensure the quality of recycled water?

Everything that goes down the kitchen, laundry and bathroom sink or that is flushed down the toilet ends up in the sewerage system. Putting the wrong things down the sewer affects our ability to treat and reuse the water and can cause damage to the system. You can help by keeping many of your household products out of the sewerage system. Click here for information on what not to put down the drain.

What is the cost of recycled water?

The price of recycled water is fixed at the lowest tier of the drinking water tariff. An  annual service charge of $20.49 will also apply. Unlike drinking water, the price  you pay for Class A recycled water does not increase with the amount you use.

Where is the Aurora Treatment Plant located?

The Aurora Treatment Plant is approximately 3 kms from the Aurora Estate, to the west of the Craigieburn By-pass.