Water quality and resources are protected during VicRoads activities. More than 80% of the water we use on construction and maintenance is from recycled sources.

To sustainably manage water and protect water quality in road construction and operation we:

• treat contaminated stormwater run-off from existing sealed and unsealed roads
• use sediment basins [Excel, 633kb, 4pp] and other best-practice environmental management techniques to prevent sediment laden run-off from construction sites entering surface waters and the stormwater system
• identify practices to reduce potable (drinking-quality) water use
• incorporate Water Sensitive Road Design (WSRD) into urban design to manage stormwater run-off
• protect groundwater
   

Recycled water
Road construction uses water for dust suppression and material compaction. Our Water Usage Policy [PDF, 21KB] commits us to use recycled water where possible:

• rainwater tanks are installed at many VicRoads offices and project sites for toilet flushing and maintenance activities
• we work with the construction industry, EPA and water authorities to maximise recycled water use
• we identify alternative water sources and develop tools to increase recycled water use
  
  

Registering your recycled water source
You can register your recycled water source for use by VicRoads and our contractors. The water must be quality assessed before being placed on the register and updated if the quality changes.

Complete the Expression of Interest (EOI) forms below to register your recycled water source:

Groundwater & Dams EOI form [Word, 44KB] 
Quarries EOI form [Word, 39KB] 
Sewage Treatment Plant & Industrial Wash Waters EOI form [Word, 44KB]

Recycled water supply agreements
The supplier and purchaser of the recycled water share responsibility for its supply and use. The supply agreement template below outlines each party's responsibilities. This agreement acts as a formal contract between the supplier, purchaser and VicRoads for the supply and use of the water. Its use is optional. 

Temporary supply of recycled water agreement [Word, 104KB, 12pp]

Environment Improvement Plan
Contractors who use recycled water must complete an Environment Improvement Plan (EIP). An EIP helps manage risk associated with transport, storage, handling and use of recycled water. This meets Victorian EPA requirements and National Guidelines for Recycled Water. An EIP considers the source and concentration of contaminants in the water, surrounding land use and safety of workers and the community.

Complete the below EIP if you use recycled water:

Recycled water EIP template [Word, 139KB, 8pp]

Assessing recycled water sources
Some recycled water has contaminants which can compromise the engineering integrity of road construction, or pose a health and safety risk. 

The documents below can help you assess the suitability of recycled water for road construction and maintenance:

Maximum contaminant levels [PDF, 42KB] 
Potential recycled water industrial sources [PDF, 17KB]