The Department of Health, as the lead agency for assessing and approving schemes with potential human health impacts, has developed Western Australian guidelines to assist proponents to meet health requirements in designing and implementing a non-drinking water scheme.
The WA guidelines align with the Australian Guidelines for Water Recycling: Managing Health and Environmental Risks to Western Australian standard.
For a copy of the Department of Health's Guidelines for the Non-potable Uses of Recycled Water in Western Australia (August 2011) visit: www.public.health.wa.gov.au/3/1275/2/recycled_water_guidelines_and_compliance.pm
For a copy of the department's Draft Alternate Water Supply Guidelines – Stormwater and Rainwater (April 2009) visit: www.public.health.wa.gov.au/2/954/2/alternate_water.pm
The Department of Environment and Conservation, and where required the Environmental Protection Authority, have substantial roles to play in approving water reuse proposals that may affect the environment. The Department of Environment and Conservation is currently developing policies and guidelines to manage environmental impacts associated with recycled water based on the Australian guidelines. Once the guidelines are available, the toolkit will provide a link.
The Department of Water's Operational policy 1.01 Managed aquifer recharge in Western Australia (January 2011) aligns with the environmental risk assessment approach taken in the Australian Guidelines for Water Recycling: Managing Health and Environmental Risks (Phase 2) Managed Aquifer Recharge (July 2009).
For further information on government agencies involved in the approvals process for non-drinking water schemes go to the section Approvals process.