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.

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VIC

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NSW

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QLD

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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. 

NSW

Armidale Regional Council
Ballina Shire Council
Balranald Shire Council
Bathurst Regional Council
Bega Valley Shire Council
Bellingen Shire Council
Berrigan Shire
Bland Shire Council
Blayney Shire Council
Blue Mountains City Council
Bogan Shire Council
Bourke Shire Council
Brewarrina Shire Council
Broken Hill City Council
Byron Shire Council
Cabonne Council
Camden Council
Campbelltown City Council
Carrathool Shire Council
Central Coast Council-Wyong
Central Coast Council-Gosford
Central Darling Shire Council
Cessnock City Council
Clarence Valley Council
Cobar Shire Council
Coffs Harbour City Council
Coolamon Shire Council
Coonamble Shire Council
Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council
Cowra Council
Dubbo Regional Council
Dungog Shire Council
Edward River Council
Eurobodalla Shire Council
Fairfield City Council
Federation Council
Forbes Shire Council
Gilgandra Shire Council
Glenn Innes Severn Council
Goulburn Mulwaree Council
Greater Hume Shire Council
Griffith City Council
Gunnedah Shire Council
Gwydir Shire Council
Hawkesbury City Council
Hay Shire Council
Hilltops Council
Hornsby Shire Council
Inverell Shire Council
Junee Shire Council
Kempsey Shire Council
Kiama Municipal Council
Kyogle Council
Lachlan Shire Council
Lake Macquarie City Council
Leeton Shire Council
Lismore City Council
Lithgow City Council
Liverpool City Council
Liverpool Plains Shire Council
Lockhart Shire Council
Maitland City Council
Midcoast Council
Mid-Western Regional Council
Moree Plains Shire Council
Murray River Council
Murrumbidgee Council
Muswellbrook Shire Council
Nambucca Shire Council
Narrabri Shire Council
Narrandera Shire Council
Narromine Shire Council
Newcastle City Council
Northern Beaches Council
Oberon Council
Orange City Council
Parkes Shire Council
Penrith City Council
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council
Port Stephens Council
Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council
Randwick City Council
Richmond Valley Council
Shellharbour City Council
Shoalhaven City Council
Singleton Council
Snowy Monaro Regional Council
Snowy Valleys Council
Sutherland Shire Council
Tamworth Regional Council
Temora Shire Council
Tenterfield Shire Council
The Hills Shire Council
Tweed Shire Council
Upper Hunter Shire Council
Upper Lachlan Shire Council
Uralla Shire Council
Wagga Wagga City Council
Walcha Council
Walgett Shire Council
Warren Shire Council
Warrumbungle Shire Council
Weddin Shire Council
Wentworth Shire Council
Wingecarribee Shire Council
Wollondilly Shire Council
Wollongong City Council
Yass Valley Council

Considering A Septic Tank System

Contact us today and we’ll give the best advice on which septic tank regulations apply to your site

Before you go here’s why 3000+ customers use a Worm Farm Septic Tank System

All our domestic systems come with a Child Proof Entry