Recycled water

Since July 2005 all new homes in the lower Hunter region must meet the NSW Government’s Building Sustainability Index (BASIX) requirements for water and energy savings. One way to help meet the water savings requirement is to install a rainwater tank. Another way is to use an alternative water supply, like recycled water. 

Recycling water in homes is an innovative and environmentally conscious way to value water as a precious resource. Recycled water can be used for toilet flushing and outdoor use such as watering lawns and gardens. However, it is not to be used for drinking, cooking or showering.

Using dual reticulation

Recycled water can be delivered to homes through a dual reticulation or “third pipe” system – that is, there will be one pipe to supply drinking water to the property, one pipe to take wastewater away and another pipe to provide recycled water.

The pipes and plumbing for recycled water are purple so people can tell the difference between the two different types of water.  Hunter Water is providing dual reticulation for new developments at Thornton North and North Cooranbong.   In addition, we have a process to assess the possibility of using dual reticulation in other areas in order to further extend the service. We take into account:

• The relative cost of meeting BASIX using rainwater tanks or recycled water
• Commitments to other users (whether there are any recycled water flows left)
• Support of councils, developers, government agencies and communities
• Contribution to our objectives