What is recycled water?
Recycled water is wastewater that is reclaimed and treated to be reused. In Australia we classify recycled water depending on its quality and range of uses from Class A to Class D. Class A is reclaimed water that is treated to the highest quality, and can be used in residential area’s for the widest range of purposes. – however, it is not intended for drinking.
For a complete breakdown of the classes of recycled water and its uses refer to section 6, of the EPA’s Guidelines for Environmental Management: Use of Reclaimed Water
Benefits of class A recycled water
Class A recycled water is safe to use within residential areas as well as for commercial and agricultural production.
A range of benefits include:
- Not subject to Permanent Water Saving Rules
- Preserves precious drinking water supplies particularly in times of drought
- Reduces impact on the environment by diverting wastewater that would be discharged to sea
- Large range of Residential, Commercial & Municipal uses
- Nutrients in the water reduce the necessity to fertilise gardens and crops
- Provides an ongoing water source for lawns, gardens, vegetable patches & fruit trees
Uses for class A recycled water
Class A recycled water has a wide range of applications including:
- Flushing toilets
- Watering gardens, lawns, vegetables and fruit trees
- Irrigation of parks, reserves and agricultural land
- Washing vehicles (on lawns)
- Ornamental Water Features
- Food & Crop production
- Livestock care
- Fire fighting
Safe use of Class A water is necessary, therefore a number of guidelines must be followed including the display of safety signage where recycled water is in use.
Below are a range of informative articles and fact sheets about Class A Recycled Water on Phillip Island.
Other articles and fact sheets: