Don't Drink It: Essential Non-Potable Water Signs to Purchase
Why Clear Signage for Non-Potable Water is a Must-Have
Non potable water signs are essential safety tools that prevent people from consuming untreated water. They clearly identify water sources used for irrigation, cooling systems, toilet flushing, and other industrial purposes, which could cause serious illness if consumed.
Essential Non-Potable Water Signs to Consider:
- Notice Signs - Blue and white headers for general information about water restrictions.
- Caution Signs - Yellow backgrounds warning of potential health risks from consumption.
- Prohibition Signs - Red circle and slash symbols clearly showing water is not for drinking.
- Custom Bilingual Signs - Multi-language options for diverse workplaces.
- Vinyl Labels - Durable adhesive options for pipes and equipment.
- Aluminium Signs - Weather-resistant permanent signage for outdoor installations.
Non-potable water signs have numerous legitimate uses across Australian workplaces, including car washes, cooling towers, and lawn irrigation systems. Under Australian workplace safety regulations, outlets for non-potable water must be clearly marked to indicate that the water is unsafe for drinking, washing, cooking, or food preparation.
The consequences of unclear or missing signage can be severe, as untreated water poses genuine health risks. Recycled water systems, greywater installations, and industrial cooling systems all require proper identification to prevent accidental consumption and ensure compliance with Australian safety standards.
Terms related to non potable water signs:
Your Guide to Choosing the Right Non-Potable Water Signs
Selecting the right non potable water signs doesn't have to be overwhelming. The key is understanding what makes signage effective to ensure your workplace stays both safe and compliant.
Understanding Compliance for Non-Potable Water Signs
In Australia, compliant workplace safety signage is a legal duty of care. All safety signage must comply with Australian Standard AS 1319. The principle is simple: if water isn't safe for drinking, washing, or cooking, it must be clearly labelled to protect workers and visitors. Safe Work Australia reinforces this, providing guidance on workplace health and safety obligations.
Your signs need clear symbols and prohibition pictograms, like the recognisable red circle with a diagonal line through a drinking glass. These visual cues work across language barriers, which is crucial for preventing health incidents in multicultural workplaces. We manufacture signs that meet Australian safety standards, so you can focus on your business. For more details, our guide on Understanding Australian Standards for Safety Signs is a useful resource. State health departments, like Health WA's Guidance on warning signs for non-potable water schemes, also offer valuable local insights.
What Information Should Your Non-Potable Water Signs Include?
Your non potable water signs must prevent misunderstanding. While "NON-POTABLE WATER" and "DO NOT DRINK" are essential, more specific instructions are often needed. Since non-potable water is also unsafe for washing hands or food, adding instructions like "NO WASHING" or "NOT FOR COOKING USE" leaves no room for dangerous assumptions.
Visual elements are equally critical. A prohibition symbol, the universally recognised red circle with a slash, communicates danger instantly and transcends language barriers. We categorise these signs as notice signs or caution signs. Notice signs (blue and white) work well for general policies, like "NOTICE: Non-Potable Water – Not for Drinking." Caution signs (yellow and black) warn of health risks: "CAUTION: Non-Potable Water. Do Not Drink." Explore our Caution Signage to see these principles in action. For more tips, see our article How to Identify Non-Drinkable Water Signs With These 5 Easy Tips.
Selecting the Best Materials and Sizes
The right material and size are as important as the message. Your sign must withstand its environment and remain visible.
Aluminium is our top recommendation for permanent outdoor use. It's durable, won't rust or warp in the harsh Australian sun, and is recyclable. Polypropylene offers great value for indoor and sheltered outdoor areas, as it's lightweight and resistant to moisture. For pipes and irregular surfaces, our vinyl labels provide maximum adhesion and durability against water, chemicals, and UV exposure.
The environment dictates the material choice. An outdoor sign in Queensland requires different protection than one in a Melbourne warehouse. Size impacts effectiveness; a sign is useless if it can't be read from the required distance. We offer a full range of sizes, from small pipe labels to large area signs, with custom options available. Our guide on How to Choose the Right Signage for Your Australian Business can help you make the right choice.
Correct Placement in Key Industries
Strategic placement is crucial. The rule is simple: every tap, outlet, and access point for non-potable water needs clear signage, with no exceptions. Position signs directly on or adjacent to the water source where they can't be missed.
- Construction sites: Mark all water points for dust suppression, concrete mixing, and temporary facilities.
- Farms: Use prominent signage on all outlets for bore water, dam water, or recycled systems.
- Industrial plants: Ensure comprehensive marking of all non-potable water points at cooling towers, processing systems, and wash-down bays.
- Public parks & commercial buildings: Protect visitors by clearly labelling any taps or access points connected to recycled or greywater systems.
The principle is constant: wherever human interaction with non-potable water is possible, clear signage is a must. Our Where Should You Place Non-Potable Water Signs? Site-by-Site Guide offers practical advice for various scenarios.
Customisation Options and Common Mistakes
When standard signs don't meet your unique needs, our customisation options can help. We offer bilingual text for multicultural workplaces, specific symbols or graphics, and company branding integration while maintaining compliance. We can also develop unique wording for your specific water system. If you have customisation needs, please Contact us for custom signage.
However, common mistakes can undermine your signage. Avoid these pitfalls:
- Incorrect sizing: A sign that's too small for its viewing distance is ineffective.
- Poor material choices: Using indoor-grade signs outdoors leads to rapid degradation.
- Unclear wording: Phrases like "Water for industrial use" don't explicitly state the danger.
- Wrong placement: Signs must be prominent, unobstructed, and well-lit at the point of hazard.
- Lack of maintenance: Dirt or damage can obscure the message over time.
Protect Your Site with Compliant Signage
Non potable water signs are a straightforward yet crucial safety investment. They create a powerful barrier that protects everyone on your property, with benefits that extend far beyond basic compliance.
- Workplace Safety: Instantly identifying unsafe water sources reduces sick days, liability, and creates a healthier, more productive team.
- Public Health Protection: Clear signage protects visitors, contractors, and the public from accidentally consuming contaminated water.
- Legal Compliance: Meeting standards like AS 1319 demonstrates your duty of care and protects your business from fines and legal action.
- Operational Efficiency: Well-placed signs help workers quickly identify the right water source for specific tasks, keeping operations running smoothly.
At Pinnacle Signage, we provide high-quality, durable, Australian-made signage designed for local conditions. When you invest in safety, it needs to work reliably for years. Don't leave water safety to chance. Water You Waiting For? Grab These Non-Potable Water Labels Today and ensure every non-potable water source sends a clear message.
Ready to secure your site? Browse our extensive range of non-potable water signs to find the perfect solution.
Your safety strategy shouldn't stop at water signage. Explore our comprehensive range of safety signs, including First Aid Signage, Fire Signage, Hazchem Signage, Caution Signage, and Notice Signage.
Order Your Non-Potable Water Signs Today
When you choose Pinnacle Signage, you're choosing quality, compliance, and peace of mind. We pride ourselves on excellent customer service and reliable delivery across Australia.
Shipping & Pick Up For most deliveries within Australia, we use courier services such as FEDEX; please note that couriers cannot deliver to PO Boxes, so provide a valid daytime delivery address. To ensure safe delivery, a signature is required upon receipt. You must be available to accept courier deliveries; re-delivery charges will apply if you are not present. Include a daytime phone number with your shipping details if we need to contact you about your delivery. For items weighing over 50kg, a tailgate delivery is usually required for residential addresses. This service is included in our standard shipping. Alternatively, you can choose to pick up the item from a nearby depot.
Pickup is available at our warehouse, located at Unit 4/28 Nagle Street, East Wagga Wagga NSW. The warehouse is open from 8am to 5pm Monday through Friday. We are closed on weekends and public holidays.
Free Shipping Free shipping is available for orders over $100 AU Wide. Free shipping applies to most items on the site. However, some bulky items additional shipping costs will apply for deliveries to WA, North QLD, NT, TAS, and island areas. Our staff will reach out to you after your order if these charges apply.
Shipping & Production Time Most items are ready for dispatch or pickup within 2-4 business days of receiving your order and payment confirmation. Delivery times are estimated as follows:
- 1 - 2 days: Sydney, ACT, Melbourne, Brisbane, Gold Coast
- 2 - 4 days: Rest of NSW, Rest of VIC
- 3 - 6 days: SA, North QLD, Perth
- 5 - 9 days: TAS, NT, WA
Take the first step towards a safer, more compliant workplace. Your team and your business will thank you for it.