What is an on-site sewerage facility?
Homes not connected to Council’s sewer network require an on-site sewerage facility, which are wastewater treatment systems for domestic sewage. The facilities treat and dispose of wastewater from the laundry, kitchen and bathrooms including sinks, showers, baths and toilets. These facilities usually comprise of at least one in-ground tank and a disposal area within the property.
New Dwelling / New on-site sewerage facility
If you are building a new dwelling or replacing an existing on-site sewerage facility there are a few steps the property owner will need to take prior to contacting Council for a Plumbing Permit/Approval.
These steps are listed in the below Fact Sheet to assit you in the process.
Homes with on-site sewerage come with obligations for the owner or tenant to ensure environmental compliance and neighbourhood harmony.
As a homeowner or tenant it’s important that you are aware of your requirements for maintaining these systems.
Operations
To ensure the on-site sewerage facility operates as designed and to protect public health, it must continue to comply with the Queensland Plumbing and Wastewater code and its referenced Australian Standards, the manufacturer’s specifications and, where applicable, the Local Government approval conditions after it is installed.
Neighbourhood harmony
Effluent must be disposed of within the boundaries of the property from which it was generated. It is an offence to dispose of effluent onto neighbouring properties, gutters or into waterways, or where it could run off into waterways.
Council is available to provide advice on any on-site sewerage facility and how it should be maintained. For further information please contact Council’s Plumbing Compliance Team on 1300 883 699.