Onsite Wastewater Systems

Wastewater Treatment

Wastewater treatment and disposal throughout the District Council of Lower Eyre Peninsula area is undertaken with mixture of available methods. These include:

Community Wastewater Management Systems (CWMS)
Onsite wastewater systems (septic tanks, aerobic systems, alternatives, etc.)

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.

Application forms and an application guide can be found below. Council will undertake inspections of systems during the installation stages. Notification requirements will displayed in your approval conditions. The installation/alteration of an onsite waste water system and associated plumbing and drainage work must be carried out by licensed tradespersons.

Community Wastewater Management Systems

A Community Wastewater Management System (CWMS) is defined as a system for the collection and management of wastewater generated in a town, regional area or other community. Effluent from houses flows into a septic tank before the liquid portion drains into the CWMS network for treated and disposal at Council operated facilities.

Council provides CWMS services to the following townships:

Coffin Bay
Cummins
North Shields
Tulka

The septic tank is the responsibility of the property owner to maintain in good working condition.

Council does include one scheduled pump out of your septic tank every four years. Your septic tank is required to have an accessible lid to provide access for desludging (pumping out). If clear access is not provided the Contractor will be unable to pump the septic tank. Any additional pump outs are the responsibility of the property owner. For advice on when your septic tank is due for pumping please contact Council on 8623 0600.

Onsite wastewater systems

In areas where CWMS is unavailable you will be required to install an onsite wastewater management system. Applying for an onsite waste water system (excluding 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 / irrigation system required.

The two main types of wastewater systems installed in the Council area are:

Septic tanks connected to a subsurface drainage trench
Aerated Wastewater Treatment Systems (AWTS) connected to above ground disposal via sprinklers or drippers.

Each of these systems has its own unique responsibilities, draw backs and benefits. It is important to undertake research and consult with an expert to assess the best system for your needs. Systems must be operated as per the manufacturer’s recommendations and Council approval conditions to ensure the safe and effective disposal of wastewater.

Setback Distances

Setback distances for wastewater systems are required to ensure that public and environmental health considerations are addressed. The topography of the site and distance of a wastewater system from buildings, boundaries, water bodies and other physical and environmental features will have implications for the stability and desired performance of the system. It is important to think about future developments such as sheds and carports that may encroach on your system and ensure you leave adequate room for future development on your site.

Setback distances can be found in Appendix B (page 62) of the SA Health Onsite Wastewater Code.

Fees

Onsite Wastewater System Fees – 2023/24

Fees payable in relation to an application for the approval to install or alter a waste control system have been amended and will be effective as of 1 July 2023. Click here to view the fees and charges register.