Using alternate water sources

Accessing recycled water

Since the introduction of Stage 3 Water Restrictions, ACTEW has made available recycled water from the Lower Molonglo Water Quality Control Centre. The initiative aims to provide assistance to commercial activities and for maintaining public areas.

The recycled water is available at Lower Molonglo Water Quality Control Centre (LMWQCC) at Holt, free of charge.

The initiative aims to provide considerable relief to commercial activities and assist in maintaining public areas in a reasonable state during Stage 3 Water Restrictions.

Recycled water is unfit for human consumption or contact. ACT Health grants approval for the use of recycled water to specific controlled uses.

An access point is available at LMWQCC for carters to fill tanks. Whilst this water has been treated to a very high standard, it is not suitable for potable use and should be used with environmental and public health and safety considerations in mind.

Prospective users are asked to register their interest in accessing recycled water by calling 6242 1466.

ACTEW reserves the right to cease providing this service if necessary or levy a tariff once water restrictions are lifted.

Procedure for accessing recycled water.

ACT Health guidelines are available here.

Download the Agreement for Supply of Recycled Water.

Customers are responsible for any costs related to delivery and storage of recycled water. Minimum tanker size of 7.5 kilolitres applies.

Allowed uses and conditions for LMWQCC water

Site Uses Controls
Construction sites Dust suppression General Public:
  1. Minimum 25-30 m buffer to nearest point of public access
  2. Spray drift control eg through low throw sprinklers or screening
Onsite staff:
  1. Awareness programs for staff on site of use of recycled water
  2. Appropriate signage of use of recycled water
Public Ponds and Fountains Filling public ponds and fountains Maintain 1.5 - 2 ppm chlorine at site and operate filters
Appropriate signage of use of recycled water
Non-residential sites with controlled access – eg: golf courses, bowling greens, public gardens with public access control Landscape irrigation - Filling tanks to irrigate trees, shrubs, gardens, lawns – non food crops No public access during irrigation and until dry (1 to 4 hours)
Appropriate signage of use of recycled water

If the activity you wish to use the recycled water from LMWQCC for is outside of the approved conditions and controls above, and you would like to check if its use is allowed, contact ACT Health and Protections Services on 6205 1700.

Procedure for accessing recycled water

  • Prospective users are asked to register their interest in accessing recycled water by calling 6242 1466.
  • A brief proposal is to be submitted to ActewAGL along with a signed copy of the Agreement for Supply of Recycled Water. The proposal is to include the intended purpose, expected volume of water required, site details and location and method of application.
  • Once the agreement is understood and signed to the approval of ActewAGL, the person responsible for collection and delivery (the driver) must contact LMWQCC to arrange a tanker inspection and site induction.
  • Once tankers have passes inspection and drivers have completed their induction, the driver must reserve a time with the site contact to access water, which will be available between the hours of 8.00am and 6.00pm.

Recycled water is unfit for human consumption or contact. ACT Health has not granted approval for the direct private use of recycled water. Approved commercial tanker operators can irrigate plants with recycled water on behalf of residents, direct from tankers. This does not extend to watering of lawns.

Further details can be found in the Agreement for Supply of Recycled Water

Submit information to:

ActewAGL
Customer Support and Education
GPO Box 366
Canberra City ACT 2601

Supply and use is subject to strict terms and conditions.
For more information, or to register your interest in accessing recycled water, call 6242 1466.