Key messages
- Class A recycled water is derived from sewerage systems and industry processes, and treated to an appropriate standard.
- The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) Victoria publishes for large-scale water recycling schemes.
- Recycled water management plans must be approved by EPA Victoria and endorsed by the Department of Health
Class A recycled water is derived from sewerage systems or industry processes, and treated to an appropriate standard.
Class A water is water designated for high-exposure uses, including:
- residential developments (for example, 'dual pipe' systems for toilets and garden use)
- irrigation where access is public and unrestricted
- irrigation of edible crops intended for raw or unprocessed consumption.
Recycled water quality management plans
In Victoria, all Class A water recycling schemes require the department's endorsement. Endorsement depends on the system's ability to meet its water quality objectives. EPA Victoria gives the final approval of any water recycling scheme.
The department’s Guide for the completion of a recycled water quality management plan: for Class A water recycling schemes helps proponents complete their recycled water quality management plans (RWQMPs). The department uses these plans to assess the system's capability.
Approval and endorsement
Before supplying recycled water in Victoria:
- Class A schemes require EPA Victoria's approval and the department's endorsement
- Class B, C and D schemes that exceed 1 ML/day must be approved by EPA Victoria or an EPA-appointed auditor
- schemes that recycle industrial water must be approved by EPA Victoria or an EPA-appointed auditor
- some recycled schemes may also require endorsement from the Chief Veterinary Officer where there are risks to livestock.
Approval requires an initial review of the risk identification and risk management systems.
Approval and endorsement are required if there are significant (non-administrative) changes to the management plans – for example, a change to a critical control point in an RWQMP, or the replacement of a treatment process.
Validating treatment processes
The Guidelines for validating treatment processes for pathogen reduction: supporting Class A recycled water schemes in Victoriadocument the evidence-based approach used in Class A schemes. These guidelines have undergone international and national peer review in consultation with the Australian water industry.
The guidelines are an important to:
- protect the health and wellbeing of the community
- protect the integrity of water recycling
- facilitate efficient decision making
- facilitate research.
Class A water recycling schemes in Victoria
| Class A water recycling scheme | Scheme owner |
|---|---|
| Western Treatment Plant | Melbourne Water |
| Eastern Irrigation Scheme | Topaq |
| Epsom Spring Gully | Coliban Water |
| K2 Estate | Department of Human Services, Office of Housing |
| Brushy Creek | Yarra Valley Water |
| Surbiton Park | Western Water |
| Mount Hotham | Mount Hotham Alpine Resort Management |
| Mount Buller | Mount Buller Alpine Resort Management |
| Aurora | Yarra Valley Water |
| Ballarat North | Central Highlands Water |
| Boneo | South East Water |
| Gippsland Water Factory | Gippsland Water |
| Altona | City West Water |
| Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre | Plenary Conventions Pty Ltd |
| Somers | South East Water |
| Phillip Island | Westernport Water |
| Pakenham | South East Water |
| Melbourne Cricket Ground/Yarra Park | Melbourne Cricket Club |
| Eastern Treatment Plant | Melbourne Water |
| Black Rock | Barwon Water |
| Northern Water Plant | Barwon Water |
| Mount Martha | South East Water |
Reviewed 10 October 2024