Wastewater
The construction, installation or alteration of a septic tank system (Onsite Wastewater System) requires approval under the provisions of the Public and Environmental Health (Waste Control) Regulations.
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Installing or altering a waste control system
Approval from Council must be gained prior to installing a new waste control system or altering an existing system. No work in relation to the construction, installation or alteration of a waste control system can occur until the approval of the relevant authority has been granted.
Mount Barker District Council provides a full approval and inspection service of all installations and alterations. This requires all plumbing contactors to advise Council of any work that they are undertaking in our area. Plumbing work can only be carried out by licensed operators and this includes owner/builders.
An application will need to be lodged for the approval of any construction, installation or alteration of a waste control system. Along with the applicable fees, there are additional documentation required when lodging an application.
Onsite Wastewater System Application
Fees as at 2023/2024:
- $403.00 - Installation of a new wastewater system (CWMS)
- $542.00 - Installation of a new wastewater system (CWMS) - 2 Storey
- $542.00 - Installation of a new wastewater system (on-site system)
- $542.00 - Installation of a new wastewater system (on-site system) - 2 Storey
- $264.00 - Waste Control System Alteration (CWMS)
- $403.00 - Waste Control System Alteration - not CWMS
- $27.50 - Additional fee for each 2EP in excess of 10EP
- $27.50 - Additional fee for every 1,000L (of part thereof) in excess of 5,000L
- $139.00 - Additional inspections
- $125.00 - Variation fee
The application will then be lodged and assessed by the relevant Department of Council. Should we have any queries, we will be in contact with you.
When plumbing works have begun, and the plumber requires Council to inspect the work, please use the Notification of Plumbing Works notification form to let us know when to be there.
For more information please contact the Environmental Health Team on 8391 7200.
Septic tanks are constructed of reinforced concrete, polypropylene or fibre glass and is divided into a two thirds / one third arrangement which provides primary treatment of wastewater.
The tank retains waste and reduces solids by physical and biological means. Effluent is retained within the first chamber of the tank where most of the solid material settles to the bottom, and then microbial activity causes a reduction in solids.
Septic tanks require periodic emptying in order to ensure they function correctly. To arrange this, we recommend engaging a suitably licensed contractor.
If you are in a CWMS area, Council’s contractor will send you a letter every five years. Remember to uncover your septic tank lid and make contact with the contractor to arrange the pump out.
The CWMS works by receiving effluent from individual septic tanks which flows to Councils wastewater treatment plant. After treatment, this effluent is reused in various ways by Council.
Most properties within Mount Barker, Littlehampton, Nairne, Meadows, Echunga and Macclesfield are connected to the CWMS.
The township of Hahndorf is connected to an SA Water system. Any enquiries regarding sewer systems in Hahndorf should be directed to SA Water.
The developments of Aston Hills and Emerald Way are connected to a private sewer.
An annual levy is charged for each allotment connected to the CWMS. This levy contributes to upgrades and maintenance of the system, including the treatment plant, and provides for the pumping out of septic tanks connected to the CWMS every five years.
Where a property is not serviced by Council or a sewer system, an onsite effluent treatment and disposal is required. The most common of these systems are:
- Subsurface effluent soakage system
- Aerobic wastewater treatment system (AWTS)
Depending on the soil type, fall of the land, disposal area and distance from watercourses, bores, wells and dams.
Subsurface effluent soakage system is usually the cheapest option. The system takes effluent from the septic tank and disposes it underground via a subsurface soakage trench.
Instead of disposing effluent underground, AWTS’ allow the reuse of treated effluent on trees and shrubs within designated irrigation areas. Operation and maintenance costs must be taken into consideration as servicing by a suitably qualified person is required on a quarterly basis, and electricity is required to run these systems.
For more information that is helpful refer to Council’s fact sheets:
Septic Tanks
Onsite Waste Control Systems
Acknowledgements and References
“Standard for the Construction, Installation and Operation of Septic Tank Systems
in South Australia” South Australian Health Commission, March 1995.
Accredited Engineers
If you are needing to engage an engineer for wastewater works, the National Engineering Register is a useful portal where you can search for accredited engineers.