Council is expanding the use of recycled water to help maintain community assets while reducing demand on precious drinking water supplies.

Over the past 12 months, Council has been working with Westernport Water to secure access to Class A recycled water for approved non-drinking uses. Council is now using recycled water from a dedicated fill point at the Cowes Wastewater Treatment Plant for activities including street tree watering, dust suppression, and road maintenance.

Class A recycled water is the highest quality recycled water available in Australia. It is wastewater that has been treated and disinfected to a safe standard and is approved for a wide range of non-drinking uses. Across Phillip Island, recycled water is already used to irrigate parks, sporting fields, community gardens and a golf course, as well as for agricultural irrigation, stock watering, toilet flushing and vehicle washing.

Using recycled water for these purposes helps conserve drinking water while ensuring Council can continue to maintain roads, parks, reserves, streetscapes and other public spaces that our community values.

Importantly, Class A recycled water remains available regardless of climate conditions and is not subject to water restrictions, making it a reliable resource during dry periods when conserving drinking water becomes increasingly important.

Every litre of recycled water used is a litre of drinking water saved. It also reduces the amount of treated water discharged to the ocean, delivering environmental benefits while supporting local infrastructure, agriculture and green spaces.

As Bass Coast continues to grow, initiatives like recycled water use will play an increasingly important role in building a more resilient and sustainable future. By making the most of every drop, Council is helping protect valuable drinking water supplies for future generations.

To learn more about recycled water, visit the Westernport Water Recycled Water webpage.