If your property is not serviced by sewers, you will need to have an onsite wastewater management system (OWMS).
Before you can operate your onsite wastewater management system, you will need to be issued:
- a permit to install an onsite wastewater management system before any work begins
- a certificate to approve the use of your onsite wastewater management system once it is installed.
Apply to install or alter an onsite wastewater system
Requirements for onsite wastewater management systems
Onsite wastewater management systems are governed by the Environment Protection Act 1970.
Whether or not your property will get approved for an onsite wastewater management system is largely related to the size of the property.
- If your property is larger than 10,000 square metres, it is likely to get approved.
- If your property is 4000 square metres or smaller, it is much less likely to get approved as it may not have enough space for an onsite wastewater management system.
How to apply for your permit to install or alter your onsite wastewater management system
You should apply for a permit to install a septic tank before you apply for a building permit.
You will need to provide:
- details of the plumber and drainer
- details of the property, system and disposal
- a copy of the certificate of title
- a locality plan
- a building floor plan at 1:50 scale
- a block plan
- a certificate of conformity from the system manufacturer
- authorisation from the property owner (if you do not own the property).
Apply to install or alter an onsite wastewater system
Making changes to your permit
If you need to make a change to your onsite wastewater management system permit, you will need to let us know.
This could include:
- an extension of your permit
- an amendment to your permit (like updating the plumber’s details or the details of the septic tank)
- a change of ownership
- a minor change to an existing onsite wastewater management system.
You can also use this form to request copies of onsite wastewater management system plans.