Recycled water for business customers
More than 30 commercial and industrial customers are currently connected to a Class C recycled water supply.
Class C recycled water is currently used for
- growing flowers, turf and crops in Torquay
- irrigating vineyards in on the Bellarine Peninsula
- watering golf courses in Winchelsea, Bannockburn and the Surf Coast
- watering sporting ovals, parks and common areas along the Surf Coast
- dust suppression during construction and road works, and more.
A number of wineries on the Bellarine Peninsula depend on Class C recycled water.
We are committed to increased use of recycled water, and research and development into recycled water treatment and use.
Recycled water is made available to local customers by a network of dedicated pipes, and can also be transported in approved tankers.
Not what you're looking for?The information on this page is for business (agricultural, industrial, commercial) customers interesting in connecting to Class C recycled water. If you are a plumber connecting Class A recycled water to homes in new developments, refer to the information for plumbers. If you are a residential customer, please refer to the residential section.
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Access to Class C recycled water
All of our water reclamation facilities produce class C (or better) recycled water.
For suitable businesses, recycled water offers significant benefits. Recycled water is always in supply, not subject to water restrictions, and cheaper than drinking water.
A permanent recycled water connection involves significant preparation, infrastructure works and costs. Our customers are responsible for determining if recycled water is a suitable and viable option for their business. We can provide details on the quality and availability of recycled water.
Recycled water is also available to cart from standpipes for short-term or low volume uses.
If you are enquiring about Class C recycled water use for your business, refer to the information pack and application form, below. All applications must be in writing.
Class C recycled water information pack and application form
Access to Class A recycled water
(Armstrong Creek and Torquay North)
Businesses in the new water sensitive urban developments of Armstrong Creek and Torquay North will be connected to Class A recycled water. All new properties will be required to connect.
Class A recycled water will be supplied by a dedicated, separate "purple pipe" system. Each connected property will have separate pipelines, meters and taps for the recycled water and drinking water supplies.
Class A recycled water will be available for toilet flushing, garden watering and more. An Environmntal Improvement Plan may be required for intended uses other than standard residential uses.
More information for businesses will be provided soon. In the meantime, please refer to the information for residential customers.
Recycled water for residential customers
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What is Class C recycled water?
Recycled water is a renewable resource, produced by the treatment of wastewater (sewage).
Class C recycled water is produced by all our water reclamation plants.
What are the main benefits of recycled water?
Recycled water is a renewable resource, not dependant on rainfall. It is always in supply, regardless of climate or population factors.
When used for irrigation, the nutrients in recycled water may reduce the need for fertiliser.
Recycled water is not subject to water restrictions, and is cheaper that drinking (potable) water.
What can I use Class C recycled water for?
Based on EPA guidelines, class C recycled water is suitable for a range of purposes, including
- irrigating turf, flower and tree lots
- irrigating some food crops
- irrigating golf courses, sporting fields and community areas
- dust suppression and road works.
What is class C recycled water not suitable for?
Class C recycled water is not suitable or recommended for
- drinking, including livestock drinking
- swimming, bathing, or washdown water
- any residential use.
Do water restrictions apply to recycled water?
No. Water restrictions do not apply to recycled water. Similarly, the Permanent Water Saving Plan does not apply to recycled water.
However, recycled water is a valuable resource and should not be wasted.
How is Class C recycled water supplied to businesses?
For suitable businesses located within reasonable proximity to a treatment facility, Class C recycled water may be available via a dedicated recycled water scheme. These businesses have separate pipes, meters and plumbing for drinking water and recycled water.
For other businesses, it may be more practical to cart recycled water in approved tankers
How is class C recycled water regulated?
The treatment and use of Class C recycled water is regulated by EPA Victoria.
More information
Class C recycled water information pack
We have developed an information pack for business customers interested in class C recycled water.
Class C recycled water information pack and application form
Learning centre
For general information on recycled water, including the different classes of recycled water and our infrastructure projects, refer to the learning centre page
Learning centre: Recycled water general information
Residential customers
For residential customers building in new estates including Armstrong Creek, Torquay North and Fyansford, please refer to the recycled water page in the residential customers section.
Recycled water for residential customers
Sewer mining
Sewer mining is the practice of extracting wastewater from the sewerage network and treating it to produce recycled water.