The first and most crucial step to setting up a safe drinking water system is to establish a robust management system. The following webpages are designed to assists drinking water providers to establish a drinking water quality management plan that can be used to provide customers with safe drinking water:
For private system owners supplying water to staff or members of the public (Roadhouses, farm stays, wineries, caravan parks, holiday camps, accommodation premises) that are (typically) not connected to a scheme drinking water supply:
- All drinking water provided must meet the health-related requirements of the Australian Drinking Water Quality Guidelines 2011 (external site).
- Any non-drinking water (i.e., water that is not intended or suitable for drinking) must be managed to ensure it cannot be confused with or contaminate the drinking water supply, and cannot backflow into a scheme supply if there is one at the property (typically from the Water Corporation). This requires satisfactory labelling of non-drinking water taps and, depending on system configuration suitable backflow prevention arrangements in accordance with Australian/New Zealand Standards AS3500 – Plumbing and Drainage.
- Such drinking water systems need to be managed, disinfected and routinely monitored in accordance with a suitable a risk management plan.
- Disposal of wastewater generated on site is required to comply with the Health (Treatment of Sewage and Disposal of Effluent and Liquid Waste) Regulations 1974 (external site).
- The reuse of treated wastewater for beneficial purposes, including landscape and garden irrigation, toilet flushing, and other approved uses, requires prior approval from the Department of Health. For details, refer to the Application Process for Approval of a Recycling Water Scheme.
- Trade waste if not directed to sewer must be contained and removed offsite by a licensed service provider.
Domestic household drinking water systems
The following webpages have further information on the different sources used for drinking water:
Regulated plumbing work
Work involving drinking water services from a meter assembly to the points of use within any property is regulated plumbing work which must be carried out by or under the direction and control of a Licensed Plumbing Contractor. Certification and technical requirements for regulated plumbing work are available on the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety website (external site).
Plumbers technical notes (external site) are available from the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety.
A complete list of building industry bulletins published for the building services and plumbing industries are available from the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety at Building and Energy Industry Bulletins (external site).
The Lead In Plumbing Products Implementation Plan (external site) is a roadmap for the national transition to low lead plumbing products. The plan sets out the key milestones and review points for installation and enforcement, and has been developed in consultation with affected stakeholders, with a transition period commencing on 1 May 2023. The Plan has been published by the Australian Building Codes Board and is available from this web page
The guidance document “Reducing exposure to metals in drinking water from plumbing products (external site)” from the Environmental Health Standing Committee (enHealth) also provides advice about reducing exposure to lead and other metals from plumbing products.
Building recommissioning
For information designed to assist building owners and operators to reopen or manage/maintain buildings, parts of buildings and or building clusters that have been fully or partially closed for more than 30 days, see building recommissioning – water supply and water related services.
Last reviewed: 15-09-2026
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Public Health