Skip Ribbon Commands
Navigate Up
Sign In

Skip Navigation LinksHome > Environment > Public Health > On-site sewage management
So-site sewage management systems

ON-SITE SEWAGE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

If you own or rent a house that is not connected to the sewage system provided by Sydney Water, you will have some type of sewage management system on the property.

The systems listed below provide storage, treatment and disposal of household wastewater in a way that ensures minimal impact to public health and the environment.

These systems are all classified as sewage management systems and require licensing and inspections to be carried out by Council.

  • Septic tank
  • Aerated Wastewater Treatment System
  • Holding tank with pump out
  • Wet composting Toilet
  • Recirculating sand filter system
  • Grey water treatment system
  • Cesspit
  • Pan
  • Waterless composting system
  • Septic Closet

The Environmental and Health Protection Guidelines - Onsite Sewage Management for Single Households provide general guidelines for householder’s responsibilities for managing a sewage management system.  

What is on-site sewage management? 

On-site sewage management is the management of untreated wastewater generated within a household, completely within the boundary of the premises.

Wastewater includes all wastewater arising from household activities, including wastewater from kitchens, bathrooms and laundries.

Where the centralised sewage system is not available to a premises, on-site sewage management is required.

On-site sewage management includes any activity carried out for the purpose of holding or processing,  reusing or otherwise disposing of sewage or by-products of sewage.  

Care and Maintenance of your system

Products that affect your septic system:

  • Bleach, bleach based products, whiteners, nappy soakers and spot removers. Don't put these into your septic tank via the sink, washing machine or toilet. Dispose of these on an unused area of your garden, well away from any absorption trench.
  • Hygiene products, condoms, tampons, sanitary napkins, disposable nappies and cotton buds. Don't put them down the toilet. Dispose safely into rubbish bin in sealed plastic bags.
  • Disinfectants and detergents. Don't use more than the recommended amounts. Try to use detergents with a low phosphorus or biodegradable products.  

Water Usage

Reducing water usage will lessen the likelihood of problems with the septic system.
 
The system is unable to effectively cope with large amounts of water such as numerous consecutive showers or loads of washing carried out in a short period. Try to spread out your washing and showers throughout the day and week.
 
Reducing water usage and planning showers and washing will help keep your septic system functioning efficiently for years to come.  

Water Usage Facts

  • Showers use 10-30 litres per minute. That's 200 litres in 10 minutes. Try using water saving heads or flow restrictors.
  • Baths use an average of 120 litres.
  • Toilets use up to 11 litres per flush. Installing a dual flush system or low flush system saves water.
  • Washing machines use 100 - 200 litres per load. Fully load your machine and if possible use the suds saver option as some types of washing machines and dishwashers use less water than others. Use low phosphorus detergents.
  • Leaking taps can loose up to 5 litres per hour.
  • Dishwashers use approximately 50 litres per cycle. Use low or no phosphorus detergents and don't use the washer until there is a full load.  

Troubleshooting - Septic Smells

Is the grease trap full or blocked? Yes - Clean and re-check for blockage later No - Problems may be your septic tank - contact your plumber
Is the absorption trench wet or soggy? Yes - Check for increase in water usage – reduce No - Problem may be with your septic tank or grease trap
Is there any surface water around the absorption trench? Yes - Check for increase in water usage No - Problem with septic tank or grease trap
Has there been recent heavy rain? Yes - Divert stormwater away from the absorption area by building an earth bank No - Contact your plumber - your trenches may need to be replaced. De-sludging the septic tank provides only a temporary solution
Is there water flowing from the absorption trench? Yes - Contact your plumber - your trenches may need to be replaced. De-sludging your tank provides only a temporary solution. No - If the problem is not listed here contact your plumber

If problems continue contact a licensed plumber immediately.  

Applying for Approval to Operate

The Local Government Act 1993 requires Councils to regulate the installation, monitor the operation and keep a register of all on-site sewage management systems within the local government area.
 

On-site sewage management involves the collection and treatment of human waste and wastewater, followed by the release of liquid (treated wastewater) and solid (sludge, sewage and compost) products into the environment.

The inappropriate use or disposal of these products can have adverse impacts on the community and public health through the spread of disease by bacteria, viruses, parasites and other organisms in the wastewater, contamination of ground water and surface water, degradation of soil and vegetation and loss of amenity, caused by odours and insects.

Download an application form below for approval to operate or construct an on-site sewage management system under Section 68 Application of Local Government Act
TypeUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
  
NameUse SHIFT+ENTER to open the menu (new window).
  
Application to install an on site sewage management system - Section 68 Application under Local Government Act.pdfApplication to install an on site sewage management system - Section 68 Application under Local Government Act
Application for approval to operate an on site sewage management system.pdfApplication for approval to operate an on site sewage management system

Risks to Public Health & the Environment

The inappropriate use or disposal of wastewater can have harmful impacts to public health and to the environment. 
 
Untreated wastewater may lead to:
  • the spread of disease by bacteria, viruses, parasites and other organisms in the wastewater
  • contamination of ground water and surface water
  • degradation of soil and vegetation
  • loss of amenity caused by odour and insects
Considering the above, recent amendments to local government regulations have clarified the responsibilities of all stakeholders to ensure that on-site sewage management systems comply with performance standards and do not pose a risk to public health and the environment.

Responsibilities of Owners / Occupiers with On-site Sewage Management Systems

It is the responsibility of the owner or occupier of the premises that has an on-site waste water system to ensure that:
  • on-site systems are designed, installed and managed so that pollution of groundwater or surface waters does not occur, and
  • there is no risk to public health, safety and the environment from the operation of an on-site sewage management system.
Householders must take an active role in the operation of on-site sewage management systems. Householders should have a broad knowledge of on-site sewage management principles and be able to apply that knowledge responsibly.
Householders should have a sound understanding of the operating requirements of the system they are using and should be aware of the need to adjust household activities accordingly (e.g. by using low phosphorus detergents, minimising use of household chemicals, avoiding 'shock loading' and conserving water).
Correct operation involves regular supervision and system maintenance. Householders also need to ensure that the necessary service and maintenance contracts are in place.
If a system is defective and cannot be corrected by proper operation and maintenance, householders should report this to Auburn City Council in order to discuss possible system replacement.
Particular consideration should be given to the educational needs of new owners and tenants when a property with an on-site sewage management system is sold or leased.

Responsibilities of Owners upon Sale of the Premises

Vendors (the owners who sell the property) must make sure that the new householder receives an operating manual and that additional copies are available upon request.
 
The manual should cover the following matters:
  1. System operation and capabilities,
  2. Operating requirements - system capacity, the importance of spreading the hydraulic load and actions to be avoided,
  3. Troubleshooting and signs of system failure - such as odours and surface ponding of wastewater,
  4. Maintenance and servicing requirements,
  5. Management of health risks,
  6. Occupational health and safety, first aid and chemical handling,
  7. Warranty and service life, and
  8. Emergency telephone numbers.

Responsibilities of Service Providers

All service providers who carry out inspections and / or work on on-site sewage management systems must have appropriate training.
 
Service providers should ensure that advice and education on system operation & maintenance are provided to customers and householders at every available opportunity.
Service agents should produce a report, in triplicate, of each service call. This report should certify compliance with operating requirements and specify repairs undertaken and test results. The service agent should provide the householder with the original of this report and then a copy to Council and a copy for their own records.
If a service provider observes that a system failure has been caused by improper use of the system, the service provider should consult with the owner. If the problem continues, then the matter should be reported to Council for appropriate action. When effluent causes pollution, the service provider is required to notify Council.
Service agents should be able to carry out temporary repairs and to correct any immediate risks to public health.
Service agents should ensure that any residual materials removed from an on-site sewage management system are handled and dealt with in accordance with environmental and public health standards and Council's requirements.

The Role of Local Government

The design, installation and operation of domestic on-site sewage management systems are regulated under Local Government Act 1993.
 
An approval is required for:
  1. the installation, construction or alteration of a human waste treatment device or storage facility and connected drains, and
  2. the ongoing operation of an on-site management system
Council monitors the operation of all domestic on-site sewage management systems within the local government area to ensure that those systems comply with relevant performance standards.
Council has powers to issue Orders requiring a person:
  1. to comply with an approval
  2. to take action to maintain premises in a healthy condition
  3. to store, treat or dispose of waste
  4. not to use or permit a human waste storage facility to be used
  5. to connect premises to a public sewer when the sewer is within 75m metres
Orders may be given to the owner or occupier of the premises or to the person responsible for the waste or the container in which the waste is stored.

The Role of NSW Health

NSW Health provides accreditation for human waste treatment devices or human waste storage facilities that are intended to receive domestic wastewater or human waste.
 
Accreditation is mandatory for commercially manufactured units and standard designs.
The accreditation provides a centralised assessment and testing procedure. A certificate of accreditation may include specific requirements for the installation, operation and maintenance of the tested system. Such conditions become conditions of Council approval.
Further information about on-site sewage management systems and accreditation can be sourced from NSW Health.

Making a Complaint about On-Site Sewage Management Systems

If you are experiencing problems with the operation of an on-site sewage management system on a property within the Auburn local government area, you are encouraged to approach Auburn City Council for a remedy.
 
Please contact us and provide the following information:
  • Your contact details, including name, address and phone number
  • The address details where the problem is occurring
  • Specific details of the problem
  • Any other relevant information
We will quickly respond to your complaint, keeping your details confidential.
Complaints about contamination of surface water or spray drift should be reported urgently to Auburn City Council. Complaints about odour problems are also investigated since this may be an early sign of mismanagement or system failure.
 
© Copyright 2010 Auburn City Council.   All rights reserved.