Water Reuse Act Frequently Asked Questions

The Water Reuse Act 2023 is legislation aimed at reducing local water demand in a safe and environmentally sustainable way. It governs the capture, collection, treatment, reuse or sale of wastewater. The Act is administered by the Minister of Health and Wellness.

Wastewater is used water or a by-product of water-based activities that may contain solid, liquid or gaseous matter, such as effluent from wastewater treatment plants.

Reused water includes wastewater but may also include untreated rainwater, ground water and surface water that can be used for various non-potable activities. Examples include agricultural irrigation, toilet flushing, cooling, and washing external surfaces and pavements.

Reclaimed water is treated wastewater that meets specific quality standards for safe public use. It undergoes disinfection, typically with chlorine.

The Ministry of Health and Wellness tests and monitors reclaimed water to ensure safety and compliance.

Reclaimed water can be used for:

  • Flushing toilets
  • Cleaning outdoor surfaces
  • Cleaning animal pens
  • Cooling equipment
  • Filling ponds or lakes

Note: Reclaimed water is not approved for drinking.

No. The legislation prohibits using reclaimed water for potable purposes or distributing it through traditional water systems.

Yes. It is safe for watering edible crops, gardens, ornamental plants and green spaces.

No. The chlorine levels will remain within acceptable limits for agricultural use.

Recycled water: Water reused multiple times within the same process.

Reclaimed water: Treated wastewater stored for future use.

Yes. Domestic recycling of greywater, such as water from sinks or washing machines, is allowed without a licence. However, a licence is required to reclaim water for supply.

As an extremely water-scarce country, Barbados needs reclaimed water to conserve resources and build resilience against climate change.

No. It will not affect water prices for consumers.

Reclaimed water is mainly used in the hotel sector for landscape irrigation, a long-standing practice.

No. Reclaimed water is distributed through a separate system with purple piping, indicating that it is not for drinking.

Yes. Potable water is tested weekly to ensure drinkability. This process is monitored by the Barbados Water Authority and the Ministry of Health and Wellness.

Yes. A plumbing code is being developed under the Act to specify requirements for plumbers working on these systems.

Yes. A permit from the Ministry of Health and Wellness is required.

Submit an application using the approved forms available from the Ministry of Health and Wellness, together with the prescribed fee.

A permit is valid for two years and must be renewed at least one month before it expires.

The Act can be viewed online at: