Residential Use

Recycled Water Tag image

Hunter Water provides new residential developments in Thornton North and Gillieston Heights with two water supplies – recycled water and drinking water.

This is known as dual reticulation. The recycled water taps, pipes and plumbing are coloured purple to make sure that recycled water is not confused with drinking water.

Current plans for dual reticulation schemes will service about 10,200 homes using 1.2 billion litres of recycled water each year for:

  • flushing toilets
  • watering the garden
  • washing cars and homes (external)
  • washing outdoor furniture
  • general fire fighting (subject to NSW Fire Brigades)
  • washing clothes (optional)
  • ornamental ponds/water features.
Please view our Recycled water for homes diagram.

Non Drinking Water Installation

  • Frequently Asked Questions

    • 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.

    • 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 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.
    • 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.

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