How safe is recycled water?

Recycled water is very safe when guidelines are followed and it is used for the intended purpose. Recycled water undergoes high standards of treatment to ensure it is fit for its intended purpose. There are standards that apply for its use. Regular monitoring and reporting is required to ensure the quality of water being supplied is fit for use.

Recycled water schemes are approved by the designated regulatory authorities in each state of Australia. This is usually the departments responsible for health and/or the environment. These departments assess the level of risk to humans or the environment to determine if a recycled water scheme will be approved. The level of risk which is considered acceptable is the same, if not better, as that used for drinking water treatment and reticulation schemes in Australia. In many cases, recycled water more than meets many other water quality guidelines used in Australia.