On Site Wastewater Systems
On site waste water systems are installed in areas that are not serviced by SA water sewer schemes, with all household waste water (grey and black) connected to an approved septic tank which carries out a primary treatment of waste water.
Wastewater from showers, baths, hand basins, kitchen sinks and washing machines is referred to as grey water. Black water is referred to as water containing human waste.
Onsite waste water systems consist of:
- septic tanks connected to a soakage trench
- septic tanks connected to a communal effluent disposal system referred to as a Community Waste Water Management Scheme (CWMS)
- on site aerobic waste water systems pretreating water for onsite reuse
- residential and commercial grease arrestors
The installation of any onsite waste water system, alteration to an existing on site waste water system, connection to the CWMS requires an application with fees paid and approval issued by Council before work commences. The installation/alteration of an onsite waste water system, associated plumbing and drainage work must be carried out by licensed tradespersons.
Council operates CWMS schemes in Gladstone, Jamestown and Laura with all pre treating waste water for re use on Council owned land and recreational surfaces. All properties within the area serviced by the CWMS must be connected.
On Site Waste Water Systems connected to CWMS schemes must be desludged either prior to connection or within a time frame of one month before or one week after connection to the CWMS.
Waste water disposal systems connected to the CWMS are compulsorily desludged every four years unless otherwise approved by Council. Installing an onsite waste water system in an area not serviced by a CWMS requires a site and soil assessment by a waste water engineer with a report forming part of the application submitted to Council.
The report confirms that the site and soil is suitable for long term effluent disposal, specifying the soakage system required.