Recycled water has a number of environmental, social and economic benefits. These include the cheapest level drinking water rate no matter how much you use, reduced reliance on drinking water and a secure source of water for a range of purposes.

Customers can use Class A recycled water for:

• toilet flushing
• car washing on grassed areas
• garden watering (including vegetable and herb gardens)
• filling water features (such as ponds and fountains)
• providing drinking water for your pets (ensure you change it regularly)
• washing machines (for houses built after 1 January 2015)

Customers should not use Class A recycled water for:

• drinking
• cooking or food preparation
• bathing or showering
• swimming
• bidets and sanitary sprays
• filling water toys

Recycled water is produced at Melbourne Water's Western Treatment Plant where it undergoes a very high level of treatment to become Class A recycled water. The recycled water then undergoes further treatment to reduce the salt level at our West Werribee facility so that it will suit most types of plants and the soil conditions in the area.

Following treatment, recycled water is supplied through a separate purple pipe to toilets, external taps and in some cases, your laundry.

Recycled water is currently being supplied to around 3,750 homes in Werribee, Wyndham Vale and Manor Lakes. It will soon be connected to homes in Cornerstone, King’s Leigh and Vineyard Estates.

Further estates will be brought online over the coming years as the pipelines are extended from the West Werribee facility to newly developed housing estates. This will mean, as residents move into their newly constructed property, recycled water will be available.

Public amenities such as parks and open spaces, fountains and ornamental ponds will also benefit from the use of recycled water.

City West Water will initially supply customers with a sign for their purple tap advising it is recycled water and unsafe for drinking purposes. It is the customer’s responsibility to maintain the signage and ensure it is legible. These signs can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Although recycled water is not subject to Permanent Water Saving Rules, it is still a valuable resource and should be used wisely.

To reduce the risk of a cross connection between your recycled and drinking water pipes, you should always obtain approval from City West Water prior to carrying out any plumbing works and always use a licensed plumber.

City West Water is responsible for maintaining the water meter (including the recycled water meter) and what is known as the property service pipe for services

You are responsible for the pipe beyond the water and recycled water meters leading into your property. If there is no water meter, or the water meter is not situated at the front of your property, you are responsible for the pipe beyond the stop tap, which is located at the property boundary. A stop tap is the valve that controls the flow of water that enters your property (see image below).

Owners are responsible for, and also pay all costs for:

• Private fire services from and including the first valve immediately after the water supply main.
  Private extensions or trunk services up to and including the ferrule or ball valve at the connection to our water main.
• Property services from private extensions.
• Backflow prevention including any devices and required testing (if applicable).
• Maintenance of any approved meter pit or cage, installed to protect our water meter.