Recycled water
What is Recycled Water?
Recycled water is water that has been collected from showers, laundries, and sinks, then treated to a high standard so it can be safely reused for non-drinking purposes. It helps reduce the demand on our drinking water supplies and protects the environment by reducing wastewater discharge into rivers or oceans.
Homes using recycled water have purple taps or fittings to show it’s not drinking water.
How to use recycled water at home
If you are lucky enough to have recycled water supplied to your home via a purple pipe there are many uses for it.
- Flushing toilets
- Watering gardens and lawns
- Washing cars and outdoor surfaces
- Doing laundry in your washing machine
- Irrigating food crops and public parks
- Dust suppression and industrial uses
Is Recycled Water Safe?
Yes. Recycled water is treated using advanced methods such as UV disinfection and chlorination to meet strict safety guidelines. This high-quality water is known as ‘Class A’ recycled water, and it’s safe for home use like toilet flushing and garden watering.
Why Is It Important?
- Protects drinking water supplies – keeps our limited drinking water for where it’s needed most
- Supports green spaces – even during water restrictions or drought Improves water security – offers a reliable water source year-round
- Reduces pollution – limits nutrients and chemicals entering our rivers and oceans
- Supports agriculture – secure supply boosts local food production
It also helps avoid or delay expensive upgrades to drinking water supply infrastructure.