General considerations
The viability of a wastewater reuse scheme will depend on factors including:
- availability and intended uses, estimated demand and back-up (contingency) water source
- required level of treatment for intended uses
- management of health and environmental risks
- site limitations, including proximity to public drinking water source areas or to conservation category wetlands
- infrastructure requirements
- cost of implementation and ongoing management of the scheme
- governance issues surrounding long-term ownership, operation and management.
In a public drinking water source area (PDWSA) treated wastewater is considered an incompatible land use. The Department of Water's regional offices can provide further information on the location of PDWSAs and on the land-use compatibility within these areas. More information is provided on the Department of Water website.