The journey of Melbourne’s recycled water

More than 5 million of us rely on Melbourne’s water storages every day.

Each time we turn on a tap to shower, water our gardens or wash our cars we're tapping into this supply. At the same time, we’re also using more water than what rainfall alone can provide. This means the water we already have is our most valuable resource.  

Recycling sewage for non-drinking purposes is an innovative, safe and affordable solution to conserve our drinking water supplies as we face the growing pressures of climate change, urban development and population growth. Victoria is already well positioned to meet these challenges with Melbourne Water able to produce the largest amounts of the highest grade ‘Class A’ recycled water in Australia. 

What is Recycled Water?

Each year, more than 320,000 million litres of sewage enters Greater Melbourne's network of underground sewerage pipes. Sewage is comprised of 99% water. It's the wastewater that leaves our kitchens, bathrooms, laundries and toilets, as well as from industry and businesses. 

This sewage enters larger trunk sewers before pumping stations push it up to ground level. From here, it’s processed at a treatment plant or continues its journey through our sewerage, which can take up to 12 hours. 

Melbourne has 2 large treatment plants that can produce Class A recycled water - the Eastern Treatment Plant and the Western Treatment Plant. 

What is Class A Water?  

Class A is the highest quality of recycled water. It's strictly monitored to ensure it meets water quality standards. These standards are in accordance with the guidelines set by: 

• Victoria’s Department of Health

• Environment Protection Authority (EPA)

• and the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC).

Class A water is safe, high-quality and always in supply, regardless of climate or population factors. It's cheaper for customers compared with drinking water. It's not subject to water restrictions and can be used for: 

• watering lawns and gardens 

• flushing your toilet 

• washing your car, outdoor furniture and hard surfaces

• farming and irrigation

After this Class A water is produced, it’s supplied to Melbourne’s retail water companies – Greater Western Water and South East Water. They then distribute it through their Purple Pipe networks to homes and businesses.  

However, only areas near Melbourne Water treatment plants can access recycled water.

Areas currently using this water include the:  

• Werribee Tourist Precinct including the golf club, zoo and mansion 

• Werribee Employment Precinct  

• Eastern Irrigation Scheme  

• Cranbourne Housing Estates 

Melbourne Water are exploring new and emerging initiatives to expand delivery of recycled water, including: 

• installing dual water pipe systems in Melbourne’s growth corridors  

• refilling natural underground reservoirs that are overused or have poor quality in water  

• trialling ceramic membranes which could produce water at lower cost

You can help at home by making sure you know what you can flush down the toilet or sink – and what you can’t. 

Make sure not to put the following down sewage drains or pipes: 

• fats or oils 

• dangerous chemicals, paint, lubricants, pesticides and thinners 

• wet wipes, disposable nappies or sanitary products  

• razor blades, cotton buds, syringes  

• paper towel, plastics, and wrappers 

It's also important to check that your stormwater plumbing isn’t connected to your sewerage system.

Additional resources

Schools and Universities can also book virtual excursions, webinars, and small group guided tours of the Western Treatment Plant with Melbourne Water. Find out more here: Western Treatment Plant tours and virtual excursions | Melbourne Water