We offer Class A recycled water to a growing number of estates via a dedicated ‘purple pipe’ network.
This page contains information for plumbers who are responsible for connecting properties to our recycled water network.
If you are a resident seeking information about recycled water, please visit our recycled water page.
Inspections
Recycled water plumbing inspections must be completed by a Barwon Water authorised representative at three key stages, and when any amendments are needed after occupancy.
Stage 1: Meter to dwelling. Completion of pipework between the water meter and the building, but before back-filling
Stage 2: Rough-in. Completion of pipework rough-in inside the building, but before internal cladding (e.g. plasterboard) is installed
Stage 3: Final. After all plumber work is completed, but before the building is occupied and completion certificates have been lodged
Stage 4: Amendments. When amendments, such as repairs or relocation, are required after occupancy
Book a recycled water inspection
Failed inspections
The tester will inform you at the time of inspection if the works have failed, and we will confirm this result by email.
Passed inspections
The yellow locking pin on the recycled water must remain in place until the final inspection has been passed.
Connecting recycled water
All work must comply with our Conditions of connection for dual pipe areas within Barwon Water (PDF 44.6 KB).
Connection and location
- Do not permit cross-connections of drinking and recycled water.
- Recycled water can only be connected to toilets and garden taps (front and rear).
- Below ground: maintain a minimum horizontal spacing of 300 mm between recycled and drinking water pipes.
- Above ground: maintain a minimum spacing of 100 mm between recycled and drinking water pipes.
- Within the dwelling: keep crossing over of recycled water and drinking water pipes to a minimum.
Pipe colour and signage
- Purple pipes must be used for recycled water. Do not use black pipes with purple stripes.
- External recycled water taps must be purple, have a removable handle, a ⅝-inch inlet thread and a standard warning sign.
- All buried recycled water pipes must be identified by tape running along the top of the pipe, attached every 3 m with the warning ‘Recycled water: Do not drink’.
When can I use Class A recycled water?
Class A recycled water is suitable and approved for:
- irrigation
- toilet flushing (but not bidet sprays)
- washing vehicles and hard surfaces
- ponds and water features.
Class A recycled water is not suitable or approved for:
- drinking
- any indoor use, other than toilet flushing
- bathing, showering or use in the kitchen
- pools or spas.
Class A recycled water may only be connected to appropriately labelled outside taps, and inside to toilets.
It must not be connected to any indoor taps, including laundry taps and those used for bidet sprays.
