In areas where reticulated sewerage is unavailable, onsite disposal of wastewater is required. Every onsite wastewater system requires an approval.

In most cases, conventional septic tank- leach drain systems will be adequate.

More information: Understanding Septic Tank Systems (PDF 275KB)

An Aerobic Treatment Unit (ATU) may be required when:

• Local Government makes it a requirement;
• High volumes of wastewater needs to be treated;
• Site conditions are unfavourable for conventional systems.

More information: Aerobic Treatment Units (PDF 413KB)

Where phosphorus retention is required, you can either:

• Install an ATU and irrigate over an amended soil bed;
• Install an ATU with an alum dosing unit;
• Install an alternative leach drain system that can retain phosphorus.

There are other approved non-conventional systems that can be used to treat and dispose of wastewater onsite, such as:

• alternative leach drains
• sand and textile filter systems
• alternative toilets

Where only greywater needs to be treated, an approved greywater system must be installed. More information available on our Greywater webpage.

Building construction sites are required to have approved temporary toilets, where access to toilet facilities onsite are not available.

List of approved systems

Apply for an approval

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