Recycled Water is former wastewater (sewage) that has been treated to remove solids and certain impurities. In Australia there are four classes of recycled water.

Class A is the highest quality recycled water and is produced in line with strict standards and guidelines developed by the Department of Human Services and the Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA).

Class A recycled water can be used for:

• garden watering
• closed system toilet flushing
• process/cooling water for industry
• fire protection stores and reticulation systems
• irrigation of parks and sportsgrounds
• water for contained wetlands or ornamental ponds
• food crops that are consumed raw or sold to consumers uncooked or processed
• all of the uses listed for classes B, C and D

Class B

A secondary treatment process, combined with some pathogen reduction is used to produce Class B recycled water. With strict management practices it may be used for the following:

• irrigation of dairy cattle grazing fodder
• livestock drinking water (not including pigs)
• wash down water for dairy sheds and stockyards (not including milking equipment)
• urban (non-potable) uses with restricted public access
• closed industrial systems
• all of the uses listed for classes C and D

Class C

A secondary treatment process combined with minor pathogen reduction is used to produce Class C recycled water. With strict management practices it may be used for the following:

• cooked/processed human food crops
• selected (raw/unprocessed) crops not directly exposed to recycled water (eg. apples)
• grazing/fodder for cattle, sheep, horses, goats etc.
• grazing for dairy cattle (subject to a five day withholding period after irrigation)
• urban (non-potable) uses with restricted public access
• closed industrial systems
• all of the uses listed for Class D

Class D

A secondary treatment process is used to produce water of this quality. Class D recycled water may be used for the following uses:

• non food crops such as woodlots, turf growing and flowers

NB: Information above has been obtained from Melbourne Water site. For more information please visit Melbourne Water at www.melbournewater.com.au