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The endless benefits of recycling
We've been recycling water since the 1960s. We started with small irrigation projects and now produce billions of litres of recycled water each year for homes and businesses, industry, parks, farms, golf courses and playing fields. Recycling and reusing water means we don't need to depend as much on rainfall. It reduces the amount of water returned to the environment. It ensures we have extra water available in case of drought and can use water better in our growing city.
Residents in the Rouse Hill area have used recycled water since 2001.
Our water recycling schemes
Recycled water is used:
- in homes and businesses to water gardens, flush toilets and wash cars
- in industry
- for irrigation and agriculture
- to help maintain river flows in the Hawkesbury-Nepean River.
Our water resource recovery facilities treat wastewater to a high level so it can be reused safely.
The water recycling in the Sydney region map shows our recycled water schemes. Find out more about existing schemes in our recycled water network, or read on to learn about schemes in development.
Recycling water at Hoxton Park
Location: Bardia, Edmondson Park, Elizabeth Hills, Freemans Ridge, Ingleburn Gardens, Len Waters Industrial Estate, Middleton Grange, Panorama Estate, Park Bridge Estate and Yarrunga Industrial Estate.
Timeframe: We plan to start operating this scheme when enough properties are built and connected to our wastewater and recycled water pipes.
We'll be providing high-quality recycled water to parts of new residential suburbs and industrial areas in Sydney's South West.
We expect to supply customers in the Hoxton Park Recycled Water Scheme area with recycled water from 2022–23. Learn more about Hoxton Park Recycled Water Scheme.
Upper South Creek Advanced Water Recycling Centre
Sydney Water is helping shape the Western Parkland City using a total water cycle approach to deliver sustainable wastewater and recycled water services.
We're planning an advanced water recycling centre to support population and economic growth in and around the new Western Sydney International Airport. This is essential infrastructure to support development of the Western Sydney Aerotropolis, where the population is expected to multiply 25 times – from 25,000 in 2021 to 650,000 by 2056.
Visit Sydney Water Talk to learn more about the proposed Upper South Creek Advanced Water Recycling Centre.
Picton Water Resource Recovery Facility
The Picton Water Resource Recovery Facility treats wastewater from about 5,000 homes and businesses in Picton, Tahmoor, Thirlmere, Bargo and Buxton as part of the Picton Wastewater Scheme.
The wastewater is treated using multiple steps and processes (screening, biological treatment, clarification, filtration and disinfection) to produce high quality tertiary treated recycled water, which is currently used to irrigate crops at our Picton Farm.
We've been looking at alternative ways to manage the recycled water we produce at the Picton facility and expand the Picton Wastewater Scheme. This includes opportunities to increase the use of recycled water in the community. Learn more about the Picton Wastewater Scheme.
