Recycled water is used in nearly all Australian states for vegetable production. Recycled water irrigation schemes offer a number of benefits, including:
▪ Providing an alternative source or supplement to conventional irrigation water
▪ Adding valuable nutrients
▪ Providing an alternative sustainable use for the community
▪ Security for investment where water is scarce.
There are four classifications of recycled water which must be approved and endorsed by Environmental Protection Authorities and health departments, prior to local water authorities making it available to the community, industry and agricultural enterprises.
The four classifications are: A, B, C and D, which are based on the level of treatment and water quality.