Septic Tank Regulations

Do You Know Your Local Septic Tank Regulations?

Onsite wastewater management systems (Septic Tank Systems) are used on residential, community, rural and commercial premises. In each state of Australia the regulations for a onsite wastewater treatment can be very different. That’s why we have added all the councils we have dealt with since 1996 with links to help you understand your local council septic tank regulations.

Septic Tank Systems are designed to treat, then recycle or dispose of:

Greywater, which comes from showers, baths, hand basins, washing machines, laundry troughs and kitchens
Blackwater, which is toilet waste
Sewage, which is combined greywater and blackwater
Organic Waste – Only our Worm Farm Septic System can handle all your household organic waste

Septic tank systems must perform effectively and be well managed to minimise risks to public health and the environment. They must also meet your local councils septic tank code of practice. The requirements on you septic system depend on the source of the wastewater, site constraints, treatment method and the quality of effluent needed for the end uses of the treated water.

Common Septic Tank Regulations

Wastewater treated to primary quality is only suitable for disposal below ground via soil absorption trenches, mounds and evapo-transpiration beds or trenches
Wastewater treated to secondary quality can also be dispersed to land via pressure-compensating subsurface irrigation
Greywater treated to advanced-secondary quality can be used in the home for flushing toilets and in washing machines. It can also be used for surface and subsurface irrigation
You will need local council approval to install the system
You will also need approval to operate your septic system

Care and Operation of Your Septic Tank

If you do not have a Worm Farm Septic Tank these tips for the care and operation of your septic tank maybe helpful.

Restrict the use of germicides (such as strong detergents, disinfectants, toilet cleaners and bleaches), as they will kill the bacteria which makes the septic tank work
Use soapy water to clean toilets and other fixtures
Use only detergents that have low alkaline salts and chlorine levels
Odours may occur on installation or after addition of large quantity of germicide. If this happens, flush a cup of lime down the toilet each day until odours abate
Use of proprietary or chemical additives is not recommended at any time for septic systems – except for lime when used to remove odours
Do not flush sanitary napkins or disposable nappies down the system
Minimise the amounts of oil and fat flushed into the system
Use a sink strainer to restrict food scraps entering the septic system. Do not use garbage disposal units
Fill tank with water to reduce odours on start up or after desludging tanks They should not be washed or disinfected after desludging
Ensure the tank and disposal field are not built over or disturbed
Inspect the system at least annually and desludge the tank at least once every three years, or as otherwise directed by the council

Septic Tank Regulations by State

Each state will have its own septic tank code of practice and these can be confusing. If you have any questions please contact us. We are here to help.

Environmental Protection Authority Victoria (EPA)

Code of practice – onsite wastewater management – PDF Link

This Code applies to wastewater (containing sewage) generated by a single domestic household or by multi-dwelling residential, commercial, industrial or institutional facilities.

This Code is based on current State, national and international best practice principles in public health and environmental protection, wastewater treatment, land capability assessment and effluent minimisation, reuse, recycling and disposal.

VIC

Office of Local Government NSW

The Easy Septic Guide – PDF Link

If your home is not connected to the sewer, you may have an on-site sewage management system, such as a septic tank, composting toilet or aerated system.

There are special regulations that apply to these systems. As the owner of the property, it is your responsibility to ensure that the system is approved by your local council and that it is working properly. On-site systems can be a risk to the health of your family and other community members if they are not properly maintained.

NSW

QLD Government Business - Plumbing & Drainage

Queensland Plumbing and Wastewater guidelines – PDF Link

On-site sewerage facilities treat domestic sewage in unsewered areas. The facility can treat, store and dispose of sewage generated on the premises.

An on-site sewage treatment plant, which uses mechanical, biological and filtration methods to treat waste before discharging through either above- or below-ground irrigation systems
A septic system, which uses biological methods to treat waste before discharging through a below-ground system

QLD

Government of South Australia

On-site Wastewater Systems Code – PDF Link

The purpose of this Code is to ensure the safe disposal and reuse of domestic or other wastewater to protect public and environmental health.

This Code sets out the procedures and technical requirements for design, approval, installation and operation of on-site wastewater systems and, where applicable, their connection to a CWMS. The Code also includes the minimum requirements for a product approval for an on-site wastewater system.

SA

Councils We Have Worked With

Over 240 Councils means we are experts at obtaining Septic Tank Permits

If you are still confused about which septic tank code of practice applies to your particular situation then give us a call on 03 5979 1887 an we’ll be happy to answer any concerns you might have about your septic system.

Please note, local councils can change their website links and information without notice.

Considering A Septic Tank System

Before you go here’s why 3500+ customers use a Worm Farm Septic Tank System

Established in 1996
Over 3500 systems installed in Australia
Single chamber with low site impact
Low running costs. $20 per year based on a 4 bedroom house
You will not be locked into a service contract
10 Year System Warranty
No smells
Operates 20 times faster than septic or aerated systems in processing sewage solids
Our pumps are very quiet & only activated by demand
Residential, Commercial & Rural Systems
Approved in VIC, NSW, SA, QLD & NT
We help with Council Applications - ‘We talk council speak’
Suitable for all climates, desert, tropical, alpine and temperate
Company employed installers are used to install your system
Environmentally friendly and sustainable
Natural liquid fertiliser is added into your soil, opening up clay soils 100mm vertically per year
Can reduce household organic waste by up to 90%
Many site specific effluent dispersal options
We can retrofit to your existing system
Aerobic system with a wind driven vent to super charge your septic tank
Weed control – Dispose of ragwort, dock, thistle

All our residential systems come with a Child Proof Entry