Non-potable water supply

If your water supply is non-potable, it means the water has come from a non-potable, or non-drinking, water source. Water Corporation provides non-potable water to be used as a supplementary water supply. It is not intended to be your primary water supply.

This means that the water must not be used for any of the following uses:

• drinking water
• cooking
• food, beverage and ice preparation
• brushing teeth
• showering and bathing
• any other scenario that could result in someone swallowing or inhaling the water.

We will include a reminder about your non-potable water on your bills.

Can I use this water at all?

While non-potable water is not safe to drink, it is still a valuable resource taking pressure off our precious drinking water sources.

You may use the water in situations where there is no risk of human consumption or inhalation. This includes irrigation and stock watering.

Why is my water non-potable?

Your water supply is from a non-potable, or non-drinking, water source. Non-potable water sources are not managed in accordance with the Australian Drinking Water Guidelines, nor our drinking water source management procedures. 

There is a risk that non-potable water may contain harmful chemicals, bacteria and other microorganisms. 

We only provide non-potable water to be used as a supplementary water supply. It is not intended to be your primary water supply. 

How can I access drinking water?

To access water for drinking purposes, you may wish to consider one of the following:

• Install a rainwater tank to harvest rainwater at your property. 
• Purchase water from a local potable water standpipe. Contact your local shire to see if there is a potable standpipe available.
• Contact a water carting company to deliver water to your property.

Property owner responsibilities

Property owners are responsible for notifying their tenants that the water is not safe for consumption. If you are a property owner and you need help with providing information to your tenants about their non-potable water, please contact us on 13 13 85.