Oct - 2007 Case study: lilac pipes

The use of Class A recycled water is a growing trend across Australia, as we strive to find ways of becoming more water efficient. The Victorian State Government recently announced that residential estates have Class A recycled water connected to their homes through a dual piping system, ensuring that unlimited non-drinking water is available for uses such as watering the garden.

As a plumber, you would be aware that recycled water must be handled differently to drinking water. Under the Victorian legislation more than 40,000 new homes in Melbourne's outer east will have a dual water supply connected. There will be the one water main for drinking water, with a separate, distinctive lilac pipe connected to the water main for recycled water.

These lilac pipes will only be connected to toilet flushing systems and garden taps to avoid confusion and the accidental use of recycled water in the home. It is vital that these piping systems are installed correctly, to ensure there is no interconnection between the fresh and recycled supplies. Plumbers should check with their state government water authority on the set guidelines in place for installing a recycled water main.

In South Australia, an upcoming estate in Adelaide's north titled Mawson Lakes, will also incorporate this dual purple piping system for the purpose of recycled water. Due for completion in 2010, the estate will house approximately 10,000 residents with recycled water delivered to about 4,000 homes. It is proposed that this will save about 800 megalitres of mains water currently drawn from the Murray River each year.

(source: SA Water)