Waste water and septic

You must obtain a plumbing permit before installing, modifying or upgrading an onsite wastewater management system (OWMS).

Your system must be designed by a suitably qualified wastewater designer and installed by a licensed plumber. You can find a licensed plumber through the Building Services Provider Register.

Plumbing permit

A plumbing permit is required to install a new OWMS or make changes to an existing system. The permit must be approved by the City of Clarence before any work begins.

To apply for a plumbing permit, submit:

• a completed plumbing application form
• a report from a suitably qualified OWMS designer
• Form 35 – Certificate of Responsible Designer
• payment of the applicable fees.

What happens next?

The City of Clarence will assess the application to ensure the proposed system complies with Australian Standard AS/NZS 1547:2012 and the Building Act 2016.

If the application is approved, a plumbing permit will be issued. Once the permit has been issued, a licensed plumber can be engaged to carry out the work.

Homeowners and occupiers are responsible for maintaining their on-site wastewater management system (OWMS). This includes:

• keeping wastewater within the property boundary
• maintaining the system in good working order
• preventing pollution
• arranging regular servicing where required.

Poor maintenance or failure to follow servicing requirements can cause environmental and public health risks. It may also result in enforcement action, such as a plumbing order or abatement notice.

Regular servicing, pump-outs and record keeping are important to keep your system working properly.

Servicing must be carried out by a suitably qualified person. Accreditation can be checked through the CBOS Find a Licensed Tradesperson register.

Septic tanks

It is recommended that septic tanks are desludged every three years by an approved contractor. The outlet filter should also be cleaned every six months.

Aerated Wastewater Treatment Systems (AWTS)

AWTS require regular servicing, typically four times each year. Refer to the maintenance schedule issued with the plumbing permit for specific servicing requirements.

Do

• Use water efficiently by taking shorter showers, using water-saving fixtures and only running full loads of laundry and dishes.
• Use biodegradable, low-phosphorus soaps and detergents.
• Scrape fats, oils and food scraps into the bin before washing dishes.
• Keep sanitary products, wipes, nappies and other solid items out of the system.
• Maintain mulch around trenches and irrigation areas.
• Keep grass or other shallow-rooted plants on trenches and irrigation areas.
• Direct stormwater away from the system.
• Protect the system area from damage.

Don’t

• Flush sanitary products, wipes, nappies or other solid waste.
• Pour chemicals such as bleach, disinfectants, paint, oils or solvents into the system.
• Build over any part of the system, including buildings, sheds, decks, driveways or parking areas.
• Allow vehicles, livestock or heavy foot traffic on the system or disposal area.
• Plant trees or deep-rooted plants near trenches or irrigation areas.
• Grow edible plants in wastewater disposal areas.

Regular maintenance helps protect the health of your household, neighbours and the environment. A well-maintained system is less likely to fail and can help avoid costly repairs or replacement.

Buildings, sheds, decks and other structures must be kept a suitable distance from trenches and irrigation areas. This helps:

• protect building foundations from moisture damage
• ensure wastewater can soak into the soil properly
• allow the soil to naturally treat wastewater before it enters the environment.

Common signs that a system may not be working properly include:

• unpleasant smells around the system
• sinks, showers or toilets draining slowly
• wastewater pooling on the ground
• wet or soggy areas around trenches or irrigation areas.

• Avoid contact with any pooling wastewater.
• Contact a licensed plumber as soon as possible to inspect the system and identify the problem.
• Follow the plumber’s advice on repairs or replacement options.
• Reduce water use until the issue is resolved by taking shorter showers and delaying laundry where possible.

If a replacement system is required, a plumbing permit application and wastewater system design must be submitted before installation can begin.

Home extensions may increase the demand on an existing wastewater system. Before planning an extension, contact us for advice on whether the system will need to be upgraded or replaced.

A request for preliminary planning advice may also be helpful.

Composting toilets must have a current Tasmanian certificate of accreditation. A wastewater site and soil assessment must also be completed by a qualified wastewater designer.

Greywater from the property must be treated and managed as part of the wastewater system design.

Before any work begins, a plumbing permit application must be submitted and approved, along with the required wastewater assessment and design documentation.

Greywater may contain:

• bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause disease
• household chemicals
• dirt, lint, food particles, hair, fats and traces of human waste.

Greywater must be managed carefully to protect health and the environment. Greywater reuse systems require a plumbing permit and ongoing maintenance. For more information, refer to:

• Guide to Domestic Greywater Re-use in Tasmania
• CBOS Greywater Information.

Contact the City of Clarence Environmental Health Unit for advice, permits and property records.

Drainage plans may be available to help locate an existing wastewater system. Records may not be available for some older properties.

Consumer, Building and Occupational Services (CBOS) provides information about:

• Installing a new wastewater system
• Aerated Wastewater Treatment Systems (AWTS)
• Purchasing, installing and maintaining an AWTS – see guide
• Accredited wastewater systems
• System maintenance requirements
• Greywater information