Quick links
Treatment plant tour
What is sewage? Where does it go? How is it treated to make sure it is returned to the environment safely?
Water sources
Over 70 per cent of the Earth’s surface is covered in water, but only one per cent can be used for drinking. Scroll down to learn about the different water sources such as rain and grey water, groundwater and recycled water.
Recycled water comes from a recycled water treatment plan and is delivered to some houses by a purple coloured pipe.
This helps to avoid confusion with drinking water pipes. Taps are also signed 'Recycled water, do not drink'.
As Melbourne's population is growing and our climate is unpredictable, recycled water can assist in supply Melbourne's water needs. More than 7,000 houses currently receive recycled water through purple pipes, including Lyndhurst, Cranbourne, Pakenham, Keysborough and Dandenong South.
Find out more about where it comes from and how it can be used in the recycled water factsheet.
Victorian Curriculum
Years 3 - 4: Geography VCGGK082
Years 5 - 6: Geography VCGGK096
Years 7 - 8: Geography VCGGK106
Stay updated
Sign up for our newsletter