Yarra Valley Water is making available recycled water from its sewage treatment plant for the purpose of drought relief and while restrictions are in place in Melbourne. 

Recycled water is of a high quality and is suitable for many purposes.  The protocols about how the water can and cannot be used are on the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) website. 


Councils and water carters

Yarra Valley Water is currently supplying councils within its catchment with free Class A recycled water for the irrigation of public open spaces such as sporting ovals, parks and gardens. To make an enquiry or for more information on applying, please contact Yarra Valley Water on 13 1721.

Essential reading

Before deciding whether or not to apply for a supply of Class A or B recycled water, you must read each of the following EPA publications.

Information bulletin - Supply of Reclaimed Water for Drought Relief (Publication 887.1)http://www.epa.vic.gov.au/water/Reuse/drought.asp

Guidelines for Environmental Management - Use of Reclaimed Water (Publication 464.2)http://www.epa.vic.gov.au/water/Reuse/Default.asp


Class A vs Class B recycled water

The differences between both Class A and Class B recycled water are outlined in the table below. For additional information and application kits for each, click the table heading of either Class A or Class B.

Class A - irrigation grade		Class B
Virtually no pathogen load		Some potential for residual pathogen load
Residual nutrients remain - Nitrogen and phosphorus mainly		Residual nutrients remain - Nitrogen and phosphorus mainly
Less restrictions on use		Greater restrictions on use
Can access irrigated area while still wet		4 hour no access period after irrigation ceases
Can use in close proximity but not in residential areas		50m buffer zone to residential areas recommended by the EPA
Reasonably user friendly		Less uses possible than with Class A

Class C recycled water

Class C recycled water is produced through a secondary treatment process combined with minor pathogen reduction. With strict management practices, it may be used for urban (non-potable) uses with restricted public access, closed industrial systems and grazing/fodder for certain cattle.  Yarra Valley Water does not provide Class C recycled water.