Recycled Water

  • Recycled Water

    • What is recycled water

      Answer

      Recycled water comes from wastewater and stormwater that has been highly treated to make it suitable for use in a wide array of applications such as:

      • golf courses and farm irrigation
      • industrial process water
      • toilet flushing and clothes washing

      Recycled water provides a sustainable and reliable source of water while reducing demands on potable supply.

    • Why should we recycle water?

      Answer

      Water is not just important for drinking and washing - insufficient water means we cannot grow adequate food supplies or maintain industry.

      Recycling water provides real flexibility and benefits in our drought prone climate by replacing and thereby conserving potable water.

    • What is treated, recycled water?

      Answer

      Recycled water comes from wastewater and stormwater that has been highly treated to make it suitable for use in a wide array of applications such as:

      • golf courses and farm irrigation
      • industrial process water
      • toilet flushing and clothes washing

      Recycled water provides a sustainable and reliable source of water while reducing demands on potable supply.

    • What does Hunter Water currently supply treated, recycled water for?

      Answer

      We recycle approximately 5091ML (5091 million litres) per year. Recycled water usage is supplied for:

      • Residential Use -  including three land developments at Thornton North, Gilleston Heights and Coorangbong North.
      • Irrigation Use - including local golf courses, a local trotting track and the Kurri TAFE using approximately 469ML of recycled water per year.
      • Industrial Use - including Eraring Power Station and the Oceanic Coal Washery using approximately 2061ML of recycled water per year.
      • Agricultural Use - including local farmers, woodlots and the Karuah Effluent Reuse Enterprise using approximately 341ML of recycled water per year.

    • How do I know if treated recycled water is being used at a particular location?

      Answer

      Sites using recycled water are required to display signage indicating its use. All fixtures and piping carrying recycled water will be purple or lilac in colour. All fixtures are required to have warning signs attached.

    • Why are the pipes of the recycled water system purple?

      Answer

      To ensure that recycled water is not confused with drinking water it is delivered through a completely separate pipe system.

    • Why is recycled water available in new developments, but not existing ones?

      Answer

      Laying recycled water mains in conjunction with potable water mains is a relatively simple and cost effective method of introducing recycled water. To bring recycled water into existing areas, roads, would have to be dug up to lay recycled water mains and home owners would have to bear the cost of installing recycled water plumbing and fixtures within their properties.

    • What are the benefits of recycled water for homes?

      Answer

      By using recycled water you can reduce your drinking water usage by up to 40%, saving you money, as recycled water is charged at the lowest water rate.

      Recycled water is not subject to water restrictions, so you can maintain green, lush gardens.

      As a user of recycled water, you will be playing a vital role in ensuring Australia’s sustainable future.

       

    • What can’t I use recycled water for?

      Answer

      Recycled water can’t be used for:

      • human or animal drinking
      • household cleaning
      • cooking or other kitchen purposes
      • bathing and showering
      • swimming pools and spas
      • evaporative coolers
      • children’s water toys
      • bidet sprays
      • recreation involving water
      • contact such as playing under sprinklers.

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