Western Port Recycled Water Scheme

The scheme will provide Class A recycled water to several agricultural areas located in Cardinia Shire, including Pakenham South, Cora Lynn, Vervale, Catani, Iona, Garfield, Tynong and Bayles. The aim of the scheme is to increase the volume of fit-for-purpose water sources to help these regions adapt to a changing climate.

We’ve carried out both desktop studies and field investigations to understand what will be involved in the construction of the scheme. This has been supported by engagement with potential customers to further understand the demand for recycled water in the area.

We expect the scheme to start delivering recycled water to connected customers from 2028.

Stage 1A will supply local irrigators with Class A recycled water from our Pakenham Water Recycling Plant to Pakenham South and Cora Lynn. Stage 1B will extend the initial network into the Vervale, Catani, Bayles, Garfield and Iona areas. Refer to the map for Stage 1A and 1B areas. 

Landholders, farmers, and businesses who are in the Pakenham South, Cora Lynn, Vervale, Catani, Iona, Garfield, Tynong and Bayles areas, located within approximately 2 km of our proposed recycled water pipelines (see map above), and who meet some or all of the criteria:

• Use large volumes of water for irrigation or agricultural purposes.  

• Grow multiple crops and irrigate for long periods across the year (up to 200 days)

• Has existing capacity in onsite storage to hold recycled water and/or would be willing to construct additional storage. 

We’ll preference users who will take and store water on their farm throughout the year.

We’ll also consider opportunities for new enterprises looking to start in the area and will require large volumes of water.

We’ve now secured funding for Stage 1A and 1B of the Scheme to commence the project. This scheme will be supplied by our Pakenham Water Recycling Plant which reduces the up-front capital cost. The scheme will also be expanded as supply of recycled water increases. We encourage anyone located in, or near the scheme area who is interested in being supplied with recycled water to get in contact with our team.

We’re currently finalising our pricing model for this project. Before signing customers up to the scheme, we’ll communicate how much the recycled water will cost. 

To ensure the viability of the scheme, we’re targeting customers who’ll use large volumes of water throughout the year, have significant storage capacity and/or are willing to construct significant storages.

We’ll consider all applications to connect to the scheme but will prioritise customers who either have, or plan to have sufficient storage and can sustainably use large volumes of recycled water each year.

Many businesses and landowners within South East Water’s service region already use recycled water, including turf growers, nurseries, golf courses, market gardeners, wineries, commercial laundries, parks and sporting fields.

The primary focus of the Western Port Recycled Water Scheme is to provide large volumes of Class A recycled water to support agricultural activities. However, recycled water can also be used for non-agricultural purposes. Recycled water is not suitable for human consumption (drinking) or other personal use.

The recycled water being offered is described as ‘Class A’, which is the highest grade of recycled water in Victoria.

The EC range for recycled water is typically 600-700 uS.cm.

Class A recycled water can be used for a range of applications, including watering food crops that are consumed raw, like carrots, cabbage and leafy greens and the irrigation of pasture. 

Class A recycled water is treated to the highest standard and can be used as drinking water for all livestock, except pigs. Visit EPA Victoria www.epa.vic.gov.au for more information about recycled water for agricultural use.

The supply of Class A recycled water to the scheme is considered reliable. However, in peak demand periods, supply on any day will be limited by system capacity to deliver no more than the average daily demand for the summer period. Customers will therefore need to make their own arrangements by providing storage or utilise other sources of supply for meeting peak crop demand beyond these levels.

It is expected that in off-peak periods, the system will be shutdown annually for a limited amount of time for maintenance. We'll ensure you're notified when maintenance is planned to occur.

The Environmental Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) provide guidelines on the use of recycled water. These guidelines involve a User Site Management Plan (SMP) specific to your site. Prior to your connection and supply of recycled water, we'll ensure you have the tools and information to help you manage recycled water safely on your site.

Yes, but you are required to inform visitors that recycled water is used on site. One example of how to do this is to place ‘Recycled water in use’ signage at all entrances to your property. 

You will also need to irrigate during times that avoid contact with persons that may be using your facility (e.g. vegetable pickers).

As Class A recycled water is not suitable for drinking, there are a range of controls required by the EPA and DHHS to ensure no harm to public health and the environment.

The key environmental risk to be managed is for recycled water not to escape to any surface water such as regional drains, creeks or rivers (e.g. irrigation runoff must be contained on site) or groundwater systems (e.g. dams should be clay lined) when irrigating. 

Public health controls require our compliance with the National Guidelines for Water Recycling (2006) when supplying recycled water for irrigation or industrial purposes.

South East Water has controls and processes in place to ensure: 

• There are no cross connections between drinking water and recycled water in our distribution network

• Plumbers can easily identify recycled water from the purple pipes and fittings above and below ground.

To minimise health and environmental risks, South East Water will work closely with customers of the scheme to ensure they understand all requirements. The key items to consider are:

• Any irrigation or plumbing works should be performed by a licensed plumber or irrigation contractor who is trained to work with recycled water

• Install or paint recycled water taps purple. Install signage labelled 'Recycled water - Do not drink' on site so that employees and the public can identify taps delivering recycled water

• Ensure you have a Site Management Plan (SMP) approved prior to your supply, outlining controls and information to manage recycled water on site 

• Understand what to do in the event of an incident

• Check any storages to ensure recycled water is contained on site, and dams are suitably lined (clay lined)

• Minimise exposure to the public by scheduling irrigation times either early in the morning, late afternoon, or after hours.

Yes. We’ll need access to recycled water infrastructure on your property (like your recycled water meter) for activities including meter reading, maintenance and servicing.

Ease of access will need to be considered when determining the location of the meter and other shared infrastructure before finalising the design of the recycled water pipeline.

Once recycled water is taken beyond the meter and into your property, you will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of this infrastructure.