Water services are easy to overlook when it comes to signs, until a plumber can't find the backflow valve, someone drinks from a recycled water tap, or a tenant can't find the water meter. This guide covers the water signs plumbers, builders, facility managers and councils use most.
Water supply, recycled water and backflow rules are set by state plumbing regulators, health departments and water authorities. This guide is general information. Check with your local water authority or plumbing regulator.
1. Backflow prevention devices
Backflow prevention devices stop contaminated water flowing back into the drinking water supply, and they need regular testing. An access sign tells testers and maintenance staff exactly where the device is.
- Access to backflow prevention valve signs in silver, gold, white, blue or green to match the building.
2. Not drinking water
Where water isn't safe to drink, say so clearly at every outlet.
- Not drinking water
- Recycled water in use, do not drink
- Bore water used for irrigation, do not drink
- Western Australian formats designed around WA Health guidance, such as WA non-potable water and WA recycled wastewater signs.
3. Rainwater and tank water
- Tank water in use for cafes, farms and rural properties.
- Rainwater sign and rainwater tank room signs in silver or blue.
- Fire water tanks need their own signs. See our bushfire season signs guide.
4. Meters and isolation valves
- Water meter signs in silver, gold or white.
- Water isolation valve signs in silver or gold.
- Gas and water meters for combined meter cupboards.
5. Pipes
Label the pipes too. Green pipe markers identify water lines under the AS 1345 colour system. See our pipe markers guide.
6. Drinking water stations
A Drinking water refill station sign helps visitors find water at events, parks, gyms and offices.
7. Recycled water irrigation (WA Health series)
Ovals, parks and golf courses watered with recycled wastewater often need signs warning the public not to drink it or come into contact with it. Our WA Health series includes:
- This oval is irrigated with recycled wastewater, do not drink
- Recycled wastewater irrigation, avoid contact, do not drink
- Non-potable water in use, avoid contact, do not drink
- Danger, non-potable water, sewage reuse
- Tap warning, do not drink
Outside WA, check with your state health department or water authority about wording. See also Automatic irrigation sprinklers operate without warning.
8. Stormwater and emergency shut-off
- On-site stormwater detention (OSD) plate
- Warning, on-site detention area, stormwater may rise
- Stormwater protection, only rain down the drain
- Emergency water shut-off valve
Frequently asked questions
Can the signs match our other building signs?
Yes. Most water service signs come in the same silver, gold, white, black and colour options as our statutory signs. See our colourways guide.
Can I order for a whole building?
Yes. Buy 25 or more of the same sign to save an extra 5%, 50+ to save 10%, or 150+ to save 15%, applied automatically. Every sign is made to order and dispatched in 2–3 business days.
Looking for something else? Browse every guide in our Sign Guide Library.