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A large number of properties in the region are not connected to a reticulated sewerage system. The treatment and disposal of all wastewater generated on these properties must be undertaken by an onsite sewerage facility that stores, treats and disposes of household wastewater on the property. Poorly sited or maintained onsite sewerage facilities can impact public health and the environment. The owner of the facility is responsible for ensuring the system is maintained and functioning properly.
For more information visit the Department of Housing and Public Works website.
Treatment systems for household waste include:
Septic tanks (primary treatment)
Conventional domestic sewage treatment plants (secondary treatment or better)
Composting systems
Holding tank
Although the installation of an onsite sewerage facility must be approved, the treatment system itself will require product approval from the Queensland Government or demonstrated compliance with a manufacturing code or Australian Standard before it is approved.
A land application area is the designated area on a property for application of the treated effluent and includes:
Irrigation system
Evapotranspiration-absorption trench/bed/mound
Greywater is waste water from the bath, shower, hand basin and laundry that can be diverted for reuse on lawns and gardens. Kitchen waste water is not greywater suitable for reuse, as grease and oil can clog irrigation systems and build up on soil surfaces.
Under the Queensland Plumbing and Drainage Act 2002, residents in sewered areas may use greywater by means of:
Care should be taken if reusing greywater as it can have potential health risks to humans and has the potential to damage soil, ground water and waterways by increasing nutrient and chemical levels.
Council approval is required before installing either a greywater diversion device, which diverts greywater from the bath, shower, hand basin and/or laundry to an irrigation hose (untreated greywater cannot be stored) or a greywater treatment system that collects the greywater and treats it to a high standard for reuse as garden irrigation.
Council approval is not required for manual bucketing or connecting a flexible hose to a washing machine outlet.
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