Reclaimed / Class A Recycled Water Plumbing SWMS

Reclaimed and recycled water plumbing covers the installation and maintenance of reclaimed and recycled water systems — the separate, non-potable water systems that supply treated reclaimed water, recycled water or rainwater for permitted non-potable uses such as toilet flushing, irrigation and washing. The defining requirement is the strict separation of the reclaimed water from the drinking water supply, with the systems clearly distinguished and cross-connection prevented, because reclaimed water entering the drinking water supply is a serious public-health hazard. This document is written on the basis that reclaimed water plumbing is carried out by a licensed plumber with the cross-connection-prevention, identification, backflow and approval controls in place.

Reclaimed and recycled water plumbing is carried out to the relevant parts of AS/NZS 3500 and the reclaimed and recycled water requirements, under which the reclaimed water system must be kept entirely separate from the drinking water supply, the pipework and outlets clearly identified — typically by the distinctive lilac or purple identification — and cross-connection prevented. The strict separation, the identification, and the prevention of cross-connection are the defining requirements. This document coordinates the cross-connection-prevention, identification, backflow and approval controls so the reclaimed water system is installed safely and the drinking water supply protected.

Hazards identified

9 hazards covered, sorted by priority.

Control measures

Hierarchy-of-controls order: elimination → substitution → isolation → engineering → administrative → PPE.

1. 1Engineering: keep the reclaimed water system entirely separate from the drinking water supply, with no cross-connection, and provide backflow protection where any connection presents a hazard, to AS/NZS 3500 and the reclaimed water requirements.
2. 2Engineering: clearly identify the reclaimed water pipework and outlets — typically by the distinctive lilac or purple identification and signage — so the reclaimed system is distinguished from the drinking water system and outlets are not mistaken for drinking water.
3. 3Administrative: obtain the reclaimed and recycled water approval and the permitted uses before the work, and install the system so reclaimed water is used only for permitted purposes.
4. 4Administrative: manage the biological and contamination hazard of the reclaimed water with hygiene controls, washing facilities and protective clothing.
5. 5Engineering: where excavation is involved, locate and protect existing services first and control the excavation to the excavation Code of Practice.
6. 6Engineering: manage reclaimed-water stagnation and microbial growth, and use mechanical aids for the pipework and equipment.
7. 7Administrative: confirm the separation, identification, backflow protection and permitted use on commissioning, and test for cross-connection.
8. 8Administrative: ensure the work is carried out and certified by an appropriately licensed plumber, drainer or gasfitter under the relevant state or territory plumbing and gasfitting licensing scheme, with the relevant competencies and a compliance certificate issued where required.
9. 9Administrative: all workers must hold a valid White Card (General Construction Induction Training, CPCCWHS1001) where the work is construction work, with the plumbing, gasfitting, confined space and any other competencies required for the work.
10. 10Administrative: conduct a pre-start toolbox talk covering the day's work, identified hazards, isolations, required PPE and emergency procedures, and record attendance in the consultation section.
11. 11Administrative: consult workers and any health and safety representatives on the work and its risks, record the consultation, and keep this document available at the workplace.
12. 12PPE: eye protection to AS/NZS 1337.1, hearing protection where required, gloves appropriate to the task, high-visibility clothing, and Class I or Class II safety footwear with protective toecap to AS/NZS 2210.3.
13. 13Administrative: review and update this SWMS whenever the work scope changes, after any incident or near miss, when a worker or health and safety representative raises a concern, when new hazards are identified, or at minimum every 12 months.

Applicable Codes of Practice

Worked example

A licensed plumber is engaged to install a reclaimed water system supplying toilet flushing and irrigation. The reclaimed water system is kept entirely separate from the drinking water supply, with no cross-connection, and backflow protection provided where any connection presents a hazard, to AS/NZS 3500 and the reclaimed water requirements. The reclaimed water pipework and outlets are clearly identified by the distinctive lilac identification and signage, so the reclaimed system is distinguished from the drinking water system and outlets are not mistaken for drinking water. The reclaimed and recycled water approval and permitted uses are obtained before the work, and the system installed so reclaimed water is used only for permitted purposes. The biological and contamination hazard is managed with hygiene controls. Where excavation is involved, existing services are located and protected first. Reclaimed-water stagnation is managed. The separation, identification, backflow protection and permitted use are confirmed on commissioning, and the system tested for cross-connection. The records are retained.

Related legislation

• Model Work Health and Safety Act — primary duty of care; the duty to consult workers; the reckless-conduct offence; and notifiable-incident provisions, as enacted in each jurisdiction.
• Model Work Health and Safety Regulations — Section 291 high risk construction work and the SWMS preparation and review duties, and the confined space, excavation, demolition and electrical provisions where applicable, as enacted in each jurisdiction.
• The relevant plumbing and drainage standards AS/NZS 3500 (Parts 0–5), AS/NZS 5601.1:2022 for gas, the pressure piping and pressure equipment standards, the AS 4032 valve standards, and the hazardous chemicals, demolition and asbestos requirements, are called up by the relevant legislation, together with the relevant network utility, insurer and site requirements.
• Plumbing, drainage and gasfitting work is licensed under each state and territory's plumbing and gasfitting licensing scheme, with the relevant competencies for the specialist work, and compliance certification required for notifiable work; electrical work is carried out by a licensed electrician.
• Victoria operates under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017, with the high risk construction work, confined space, excavation and demolition provisions applying in place of the model instruments.

Frequently asked questions