Septic and wastewater
Apply for a septic tank permit
If you live on a rural property and don't have access to the town sewer network, you must treat and contain the wastewater from your household through a septic tank system.
When managed and maintained properly, septic tank systems are a safe and effective method of discharging wastewater.
If you're considering installing or altering a septic tank system, you will need to apply for a septic tank permit.
Apply for a septic tank permit
Maintaining your septic tank
If a septic tank system fails and releases untreated wastewater into local waterways or stormwater drains, it can create a threat to public health and the environment.
Tips for maintaining a healthy and effective septic tank system
- Be careful what goes down the sink and toilet: no oils, grease, food scraps, paints, medicines or sanitary items.
- Use only small amounts of household chemical cleaners such as ammonia and bleach.
- Use kitchen and laundry detergents with low to no phosphorus.
- Evenly distribute your water use throughout the day.
- Don't build anything over the septic system or cover it with any extra topsoil.
- Don't drive or park a car over any part of the system (including the discharge area).
- De-sludge the tank every three years to prevent solids from clogging it up and causing system failure.
Water saving tips
We also recommend that you reduce water usage through:
- having shorter showers
- fixing leaks
- turning off running taps
- installing water conservation fixtures and appliances such as front loading washing machines, AAA-rated shower heads and taps, and dual-flush toilets.
Domestic wastewater management
The Whittlesea Domestic Wastewater Management Plan aims to identify strategies for minimising the public health and environmental risks associated with domestic onsite wastewater systems (septic tanks).
We adopted this domestic wastewater management plan in June 2018.
View the Whittlesea Domestic Wastewater Management Plan(PDF, 543KB)