The first Victorian home was connected to a centralised recycled water scheme for both indoor and outdoor use on 12 October 2006.
Water Minister John Thwaites visited the Hunt Club Estate in Cranbourne East to turn on the water to the State's first household connected to a dual pipe system.
The use of Class A recycled water in homes for non-drinking purposes such as watering the garden, washing the car and flushing the toilet is a great help in reducing demand on our drinking water supplies. Recycled water is not subject to the same water restrictions as drinking water allowing these residents to water their gardens all year round."
Around 1200 homes at the estate will eventually be connected to recycled water, saving about 200 million litres of drinking water each year. Across Melbourne, nearly 43,000 lots were being planned for dual-pipe connections, which will save nearly 6000 megalitres of water.
Recycled water is treated to Class A standard which is in accordance with EPA Victoria and Department of Human Services requirements that outline suitable applications for recycled water.
The introduction of recycled water into Hunt Club Estate homes is a joint initiative between the Government, South East Water and the developers, the Dennis Family Corporation.
The Hunt Club homes will use recycled water for watering gardens, car washing and toilet flushing.
Recycled water was identified by unique purple taps, pipes, hoses and meters to help residents to identify recycled water. Water authorities are exploring opportunities for expansion into other new residential estates, particularly in Melbourne's growth corridors.
By using recycled water for outside use and toilet flushing, residents will reduce their drinking water use by about 40 per cent and at the same time have the confidence that their new home meets Victoria's 5 Star housing standard.
