Rouse Hill Recycled Water Scheme

Australia's largest community water recycling scheme

Australia's largest residential recycled water scheme is in the Rouse Hill area in Sydney's north-west.

The scheme started in 2001, and over 19,000 homes are now using up to 1.7 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 previously in bathrooms, laundries and kitchens, and in businesses. It is treated to a high standard so it is safe to use.

On average the Rouse Hill scheme has reduced demand for drinking water by about 40%.

Eventually the scheme will serve 36,000 homes.

The area includes parts of Acacia Gardens, Beaumont Hills, Castle Hill, Glenwood, Kellyville, Kellyville Ridge, Parklea, Quakers Hill, Stanhope Gardens, The Ponds and, of course, Rouse Hill.

Work to expand the Rouse Hill Recycled Water Plant finished in December 2008. The expansion will allow up to 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.