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Recycled water - FAQs
What is recycled water?
What is Class A recycled water?
What can I use Class A recycled water for?
Can I use Class A recycled water in my washing machine?
What are the requirements for installing a recycled water tap in the laundry?
What can't I use Class A recycled water for?
Does recycled water smell or look different from drinking water?
Is Class A recycled water safe for children?
Can I use Class A recycled water on plants?
Do water restrictions apply to Class A recycled water?
What is the cost of recycled water?
What is recycled water?
Recycled water is water that has been treated to a 'fit for purpose' standard for a specific application. There are different water classes (Classes A - D) which can be used in accordance with an EPA Victoria-approved, fit-for-purpose application.
What is Class A recycled water?
Class A recycled water comes from water that has been used in the shower, toilet, sink and washing machine. This water is treated to a standard that is specified for non-drinking use in domestic applications.
If you live in a Class A recycled water area, it is returned to your home through a separate (purple) pipe system and is suitable for washing clothes and flushing toilets as well as for outdoor uses such as washing cars, watering gardens and irrigating public open spaces.
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
- Watering lawns, gardens, vegetable patches and open spaces
- Washing cars on grassed areas
- Fighting fires
- Filling ornamental ponds and water features*
*Water in ponds or water features may need to be changed regularly as algae may grow due to the nutrients in the recycled water.
While Class A recycled water is treated to a high standard, it is not permitted for personal use. If you do accidentally drink it, don't be alarmed, as the likelihood of getting ill is very low. Seek medical advice if there are signs of illness.
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. After this date, Conditions of Connection issued for a new home in a recycled water area will include a condition detailing the requirement for the plumber to install a recycled water washing machine stop tap in the laundry in addition to the hot and cold water taps normally provided.
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.
What are the requirements for installing a recycled water tap in the laundry?
Each laundry will have three taps suitable for a washing machine connection: a potable hot water tap, a potable cold water tap and a recycled water tap (installed in that order, from left to right). Technical specifications will be included in all Conditions of Connection issued after 1 July 2010. If you'd like to obtain this information before 1 July, please call Kylie Ross on 9872 1568 or email kylie.ross@yvw.com.au or call Mark Salkunas on 9872 1414 or email mark.salkunas@yvw.com.au
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
Does recycled water smell or look different from drinking water?
No, Class A recycled water has no odour and looks like drinking water.
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 specified 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.
Class A recycled water is produced according to strict guidelines developed by EPA Victoria and the Department of Health. These high standards are ensured through process control and quality assurance systems including continuous monitoring throughout the treatment facility.
Can I use Class A recycled water on plants?
Yes. Note that 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 can 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 to Class A recycled water?
No. Greywater and Class A recycled water can be used freely under current water restrictions. However, while Class A recycled water will be free of restrictions; it is still a valuable resource that needs to be used with conservation principles in mind.
What is the cost of recycled water?
During times of drought and water restrictions, we will provide Councils with access to recycled water for watering of sports grounds free of charge.
For residential customers in recycled water areas, the price of Class A recycled water is fixed to 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.
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