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Rouse Hill Recycled Water Scheme
One of Australia's largest community water recycling schemes
One of Australia's largest residential recycled water schemes is in the Rouse Hill area in Sydney's north-west.
The scheme started in 2001, and more than 17,500 homes are now using 1.9 billion litres of recycled water each year for flushing toilets, watering gardens, washing cars and other outdoor uses.
Recycled water is treated wastewater - water that has been used in bathrooms, laundries and kitchens, and in businesses. It is treated to a high standard so it is ready to use again.
On average the Rouse Hill scheme has reduced demand for drinking water by about 40%.
Eventually the scheme will serve 35,000 homes.
The area includes parts of Acacia Gardens, Beaumont Hills, Castle Hill, Glenwood, Kellyville, Kellyville Ridge, Parklea, Quakers Hill, Stanhope Gardens and, of course, Rouse Hill.
Work started in early 2007 to expand the Rouse Hill Recycled Water Plant (PDF - 366KB) . The expansion will allow 4.7 billion litres of wastewater to be recycled each year for residential use.
How do I know if I have recycled water?
- You live in one of the suburbs listed above.
- You have a second water meter that is purple or lilac.
- Your garden tap is purple or lilac. It should have this sign on it: 'Recycled water - do not drink.'
- Charges for recycled water are included on your water bill.
Recycled water is treated to a high standard but is not for drinking or filling swimming pools.
For more information on recycled water email us at recycledwater@sydneywater.com.au or phone Sydney Water on 13 20 92.
Special treatment, pipes and plumbing
Sydney Water provides homes in the area with two water supplies - recycled water and drinking water. This is known as dual reticulation. The recycled water taps, pipes and plumbing are coloured purple to make sure that recycled water is not confused with drinking water.
Recycled water is treated to a very high standard. It goes through a series of processes including microfiltration and ultraviolet disinfection on top of the usual high level of wastewater treatment.
Stormwater and river management
The Rouse Hill Recycled Water Area is part of a coordinated water cycle management program designed to help protect the Hawkesbury Nepean River. This includes not only the recycling of treated wastewater but also pollution reduction in the stormwater system.
Protecting the environment and maximising community benefits are vital components of the project.