Using Non-potable Water

Accessing recycled water

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 Permanent Water Conservation Measures. 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.

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 passed 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.

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.

Quick guide to Greywater

Every day we produce greywater. This is the wastewater from our washing machine, laundry tub, hand basins, showers, baths and spas. The good news is, untreated greywater can be used on your garden and its use is not restricted under the ACT's Water Restriction Scheme. Collecting greywater can be as simple as keeping a bucket in the shower to collect the cold water before the warm water begins to flow. You can also divert greywater from your washing machine or basins. Approved larger scale greywater treatment systems are available to purchase. For guidelines on greywater use in the ACT, visit the Think water, act water website or the ACT Health website.

DO's

  • Only use wastewater from baths, showers, hand basins and washing machines (preferably the final rinse water).
  • Only use greywater on the garden and rotate which areas you water.
  • Only apply as much water as the soil can absorb.
  • Wash your hands following watering with greywater.
  • Stop using greywater during wet periods.
  • Stop using greywater if odours are generated and plants do not appear to be healthy.
  • Be careful of your back if you're lifting buckets or watering cans filled with greywater.
  • Use immediately where possible.

DON'T's

  • Don't water vegetables with greywater if the crop is to be eaten raw or uncooked.
  • Don't use greywater that has faecal contamination eg. Water used to launder nappies.
  • Don't use kitchen wastewater (including dishwashers) due to the high concentration of food wastes and chemicals that are not readily broken down in the soil.
  • Don't store untreated greywater for more than 24 hours.
  • Don't let children or pets drink or play with greywater.
  • Don't allow greywater to flow from your property or enter stormwater systems.
  • Don't use greywater if family members are ill.

A quick guide to Rainwater tanks

By collecting and redirecting rainwater from the roof to use in your home and garden you can reduce the amount of potable water (drinking or tap water) your household uses. The water you capture can be used indoors and outdoors, for anything from washing clothes to irrigation. Rainwater is not subject to restrictions.

The ACT Government's rainwater tank guidelines for residential properties in the ACT are available online. You'll find information on the benefits of installing a rainwater tank, how to size a tank to suit your needs, how much rainwater different size tanks can harvest, installation, approval requirements and tank maintenance. For further information visit www.actpla.act.gov.au