Plumbing Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who regulates the internal recycled water system?

  Answer

  NSW Fair Trading regulates new installations and all modifications to internal recycled water systems. NSW Fair Trading should be contacted to confirm requirements.

• Is recycled water plumbing subject to special requirements?

  Answer

  All recycled water plumbing and fixtures should comply with Plumbing Code of Australia - AS/NZS3500.1 plumbing and drainage – water services. In summary this standard requires that:

  • A backflow prevention device be fitted at the drinking water meter.
  • There should be NO cross-connection between drinking and recycled water services.
  • All recycled water piping should be coloured purple or have appropriate and durable purple sleeving, netting or spirally wrapped tape for clear identification.
  • All buried pipes should be marked with longitudinal running marking tape clearly displaying: RECYCLED OR RECLAIMED-WATER-DO NOT DRINK.
  • All external taps should be clearly marked with a warning sign, be fitted with a removal handle and be coloured purple.
  • Hunter Water should be notified of any planned changes or modifications to existing recycled water infrastructure. Any modifications to the internal recycled water system must be inspected by NSW Fair Trading.