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Recycling

Water recycling is treating and reusing wastewater, greywater and stormwater for non-drinking purposes in and outside the home, in industry, for irrigation and agriculture.

Recycled water targets

Using recycled water and harvested stormwater is a great way of saving our valuable drinking water and it can delay the need to invest in new supply infrastructure.

Stormwater

Stormwater is rainwater that runs from roofs, roads, other hard surfaces and parks into stormwater drains. It then flows into creeks, the harbour and the ocean. Stormwater can be captured, treated and used for non-drinking purposes.

Residential

Households in Greater Sydney use around 73 percent of our water. Replacing recycled water for things like toilet flushing, water gardens and car washing, could really help to reduce demand for drinking water.

Industrial and commercial

By 2015, recycled water will be the main type of water supplied to most of the greater Sydney region’s largest industrial operations.

Irrigation

In greater Sydney, recycled wastewater is used for irrigating farms, golf courses, sportsgrounds, parks and racecourses as a substitute for drinking water.

Recycled water guidelines

Recycled water is an integral part of ensuring a sustainable water supply in New South Wales.  With the changes and improvements in technology, the effect of climate change on water resources, population growth and the increasing price of water, future demand for recycled water is expected to rise.

Greywater

Greywater is the wastewater generated from your washing machine, shower, bath and basins which, when used safely, can replace drinking water for watering lawns and gardens. Water from your kitchen can also be reused as greywater if the correct treatment process is put in place. 

Metropolitan Water Plan
2010 Metropolitan Water Plan »
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