Recycled water

Our recycled water is treated to meet fit for purpose requirements according to EPA Victoria's guidelines. Under the guidelines, this water is used for:

• urban areas that have restricted public access during irrigation

• agricultural uses for vineyards

• agricultural uses for grazing or as fodder for livestock

• industrial uses for systems with no potential worker exposure

Recycled water is often stored in the winter and then used during the dry summer and autumn months when other water sources are scarce.

Using recycled water offers several important benefits:

Preserves Fresh Water Supplies

It helps conserve high-quality drinking water for essential uses like hydration, cooking, and hygiene.

Protects the Environment

By maximising reuse of treated wastewater, recycled water reduces the likelihood of high‑volume releases to rivers. Occasional discharges may occur only during exceptional rainfall events, and these are carefully managed since we are not licensed for routine release.

Cost-Effective Solution

Where available, recycled water is more affordable than fresh water, making it a smart choice for irrigation and other non-potable uses.

Yes—when used correctly, recycled water is safe for all approved applications. It’s important that users follow the appropriate safety measures and usage guidelines to ensure safe handling.

To maintain safety and compliance:

• Customers must use recycled water in line with the terms of their Recycled Water Supply Agreement, User Site Management Plan (USMP) or Health and Environment Management Plan (HEMP).

• Signage at publicly accessible sites to identify where recycled water is used.

• Fencing or other physical barriers should be used to restrict access where necessary.

• Livestock must be prevented from grazing on areas irrigated with Class C recycled water until a safe withholding period has passed.

• Watering points for livestock must be separate from recycled water sources to avoid ingestion.

These measures are essential to protect public health and animal welfare, and to comply with the conditions outlined in your Recycled Water Supply Agreement, User Site Management Plan (USMP), or Health and Environment Management Plan (HEMP) to ensure safe and compliant use.

Recycled water is a cost-effective option for non-potable uses, and its pricing is regulated by the Essential Services Commission (ESC). The ESC sets common pricing principles to ensure consistency across Victorian water corporations.

The recycled water tariff reflects the cost of using Class C recycled water. It does not include expenses related to transport, distribution, or any additional treatment beyond the Class C standard. Tariffs are reviewed annually and adjusted in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

GWMWater also offers industry-specific discounts for eligible recycled water users.

For more information, please call us on 1300 659 961 or refer to our tariffs and charges

GWMWater currently services a number of towns in the region with recycled water, but there are limitations to our supply capabilities. If you're interested in recycled water for your business or organisation, contact us to find out more.

Class C recycled water is suitable for a range of non-potable applicationsand can be safely used when managed appropriately.

Approved Uses

Irrigation of:

• Public open spaces with controlled public access e.g. municipal parks, gardens, sport ovals, golf courses, and racecourses. These sites are to be clearly signposted and access managed to avoid contact with recycled water, particularly during and immediately after irrigation when surfaces are not dry.

• Human food crops which are cooked/processed before consumption such as vineyards and olive plantations.

• Pastures for beef cattle, sheep, horses and goats grazing

• Non-food crops, woodlots, turf, flowers, etc.

• Dust suppression

• Industrial wash-down (non-food contact surfaces)

Non-Approved Uses

• Drinking, including livestock

• Uses inside the home

• Cooking

• Personal hygiene (e.g. showers, handwashing, etc.)

• Filling swimming pools or spas

• Swimming, bathing, or wash-down water

• Irrigation of edible crops consumed raw

• Irrigating public open space with unrestricted access

• Irrigating pasture for dairy cattle grazing/fodder

In Victoria, the use of recycled water is regulated by the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Victoria and must comply with established guidelines. These are designed to work alongside the Australian Guidelines for Water Recycling, which serve as the national reference for the safe supply, use, and management of recycled water schemes.

The guidelines outline the minimum water quality treatment objectives required for different classes of recycled water. We supply Class C recycled water, which meets the following standards:

These standards ensure recycled water is safe for approved uses such as irrigation of public spaces, vineyards, and recreational areas.

To ensure safety and compliance with EPA Victoria regulations, access to sites using Class C recycled water must be restricted as follows:

Crop and produce controls

To ensure safe and responsible use of Class C recycled water, the following controls must be applied to all irrigated crops:

Crop information source: Publication 1911-Technical information for the Victorian guideline for water recycling