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| Water (non reticulated)
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Non-reticulated water
Non-reticulated water is any water supply not piped into a business by either a water utility or local council. It includes:
- rainwater,
- groundwater (eg bore water)
- surface water
Legal requirements on water supplies
Under the Food Standards Code, food businesses must use potable (drinkable) water for activities conducted on their food premises. Where businesses do not have access to a potable water source, they must be able to demonstrate that the water they use is safe.
Hazards of using non-reticulated water
The hazards of non-reticulated water will depend on the water source. There may be disease-causing microorganisms present, such as Giardia, Cryptosporidium, viruses and E. coli. It might also contain harmful chemicals.
How to manage a private water supply
To manage your private water supply you should ensure:
- water is collected from a suitable source,
- there are no microbial or chemical contaminants in the surrounding environment (this might require a stocktake),
- water is treated, if necessary, to make it safe, eg remove solids and microorganisms,
- roofs or gutters used to collect rainwater are kept free from leaves and bird droppings,
- the first water collected during a rainfall is discarded to reduce the amount of microorganisms entering the tank,
- equipment used to collect and store water is suitable and well maintained,
- equipment is positioned to avoid contamination,
- pests and rodents cannot enter the equipment, and
- water is monitored regularly.
Further information
NSW Health has developed guidelines for businesses with a private water supply.
Your local council or Public Health Unit may also be able to provide you with further advice.
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