Class C recycled water for business, industry and agriculture

Class C recycled water can replace drinking water for a number of commercial and agricultural uses.

More than 30 commercial, agricultural and industrial customers throughout our service region are supplied with Class C recycled water.

Class C water is a renewable resource, not dependent on rainfall, and is always in supply, regardless of climate or population factors. Recycled water is not subject to water restrictions, and is cheaper than drinking (potable) water.

Recycled water is made available to local businesses by a dedicated pipe network. It can also be transported in approved tankers for short-term or low volume uses.

A permanent recycled water connection involves significant preparation, infrastructure works and costs. To learn more about whether Class C recycled water is suitable for your business, contact us.

What can I use Class C recycled water for?

Based on EPA Victoria guidelines, Class C water is suitable for a range of purposes, including:

  • irrigating turf, flower and tree lots
  • irrigating some food crops
  • irrigating golf courses, sporting field and community areas
  • dust suppression and roadworks.

When used for irrigation the nutrients in recycled water may reduce the need for fertiliser.

What can’t Class C recycled water be used for?

Class C recycled water is not suitable or approved for:

  • drinking, including livestock drinking
  • swimming, bathing, or wash-down water
  • any residential use.

Environmental Improvement Plan

To meet EPA Victoria guidelines, a User Site Management Plan (USMP) is required for all uses of Class C recycled water. The plan typically includes:

  • A land capability assessment
  • risk assessment
  • water budget
  • nutrient loading
  • irrigation scheduling
  • site management roles and responsibilities
  • occupational health and safety details
  • site access controls
  • plumbing controls
  • emergency management
  • soil and nutrient management
  • monitoring program, e.g. soil, groundwater, crops
  • reporting and review

Further details of USMP requirements can be found in EPA publication Guidelines for Environmental Management: Use of Reclaimed Water.