An innovative technology never seen before in Victoria to treat and recycle greywater inside buildings is being trialled across Melbourne and Geelong.
Barwon Water and Intelligent Water Networks are leading a collaborative research project trialling the advanced water saving technology developed in the Netherlands.
The Hydraloop technology is the first advanced internal greywater system ready for the Australian market and can reduce water use by up to 40 per cent by taking the greywater from showers and taps and treating it for use in toilets, washing machines and gardens.
Through the trial, 7 mixed-sized greywater recycling units will be installed and trialled in a range of situations to determine whether it is a viable way to reduce water usage.
Barwon Water is trialling three units at caravan parks along the Surf Coast and Great Ocean Road, including Australia’s first large-sized unit at the Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park.
It has also installed a demonstration unit the Gordon TAFE in East Geelong, which operates in a purpose-built bathroom and laundry, allowing trade students to access the set-up for training, development and testing.
The trial will also assess the technology’s viability for at-home use, with Greater Western Water installing Victoria’s first in-home system. South East Water is investigating suitable trial locations with local councils.
The Victorian Advanced Grey Water Recycling System Trial is funded by the Victorian Government, Intelligent Water Networks and Barwon Water.
Climate change, declining rainfall and population growth are putting increasing pressure on Victoria’s drinking water supplies.
The Victorian Government continues to make regular desalinated water orders and increase water efficiency and the use of alternative water resources, such as recycled water and stormwater, to help reduce pressure on our drinking water supplies.
Every litre of recycled water used is a litre of water we don’t have to take from rivers and reservoirs.
All Victorians can play their part to save water with water-saving habits at home, such as taking shorter showers, fixing leaks, washing with full loads, and not watering gardens in the heat of the day. Learn more about the actions you can take to save water at home.
Permanent Water Saving Rules are in place across the whole of Victoria all year round to ensure we’re using water wisely outdoors.
Page last updated: 15/09/25