Working on sites with a recycled water service

All recycled water pipework, fittings and outlets must be correctly identified as per the requirements of AS/NZS 3500.1 Plumbing and drainage Part 1: Water services. For example, the standard requires all recycled water pipes to be coloured purple and marked with the appropriate identification tape where buried.

For various reasons, existing recycled water systems are not always readily identifiable onsite. It is important for all plumbers working on a site that has a recycled water service to satisfy themselves of the nature and source of the water supply that they are working with. The safest way to identify the source is to turn off the supply to the property at the water meter.

• All recycled water pipework must be offered for inspection by the relevant local water authority in the manner specified by that authority who will carry out the recycled water inspections.
• At the completion of the work, the water service must also be tested for any cross-connection prior to commissioning and occupancy.

If the recycled water connections are not carried out in accordance with their specific Conditions of Connection, they will request the work be rectified under the provisions of the Water Act 1989.

There are three recycled water inspection types commonly known as R1, R2 & R3 inspections.

R1 Meter assembly to house

R2 Rough in

R3 Commissioning stage

For further information, including a recommended test and commissioning procedure, please refer to your local water authorities water metering guidelines and any specific conditions of connection.