An annual health check on your septic tank system can prevent environmental issues, save on costly repairs, and prolong the life of your system.
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Under the new Environment Protection Act (EPA) 2021 put forward by the state government from July 1, Victorians with an onsite waste management system will need to take reasonable steps to maintain their wastewater and ensure they are in good working order.
"A poorly maintained septic system can be dangerous - posing a health risk to your family, friends, and our waterways," Ararat Rural City Council chief executive Dr Tim Harrison said.
"Carry out regular health checks on your septic system - it may need attention if there's a rotten odour, the ground is damp or soggy, or the drains are slow to clear.
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"To get the most out of your septic system, ensure it's being used and maintained as per the Certificate to Use and Planning Permit Conditions."
Council will continue to administer permits for the construction, installation, or alteration of an onsite wastewater management system (OWMS) with a capacity of up to 5000 litres on any day.
"Recent changes to regulation will help our community and businesses extend the life of their septic tanks, including meeting maintenance requirements, keeping maintenance records and notifying council of failures and how it's being fixed," Dr Harrison added.
"Part of this is managing your waste well and ensuring the tank does not overflow. Desludging your system requires a licensed contractor - remember to share records of the maintenance with council."
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There are also plans for local government to order maintenance and enforce requirements where necessary.
"There are more than 1900 properties across Greater Ararat without reticulated sewerage and rely on septic tank systems to dispose of their wastewater," Dr Harrison said.
"Council will be notifying affected residents of changes to the EPA."
"We want to work with our community to help manage and maintain septic tank systems, to better protect our community and region," Dr Tim Harrison concluded.
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Some tips to keep your on-site wastewater management systems working well:
- Service and desludge your system every three years by an approved contractor.
- Think before you flush or wash. Do not dispose of fats or oils into your septic system.
- To keep the bacteria working in the tank working well, use only small amounts of bleach or cleaning products and low phosphorus laundry detergents.
- Never turn off power to treatment plants or pumps, even if the property is not your primary residence as this can damage the system.
- Mow regularly over grassed areas to prevent the area from becoming boggy.
Look out for:
- Wet spots around trenches and irrigation areas or areas of broadleaf weed growth that may or may not have a rich earthy smell.
- Pooling water or liquid run off away from pits or irrigation fields.
- Increased mosquito activity or small flying insect activity around tank, trenches, and irrigation field
If you have any of these signs occurring with your septic system, please call a registered plumber that is licensed to install and undertake maintenance on septic systems to provide further advice and assistance.
For more information contact council's environmental health team on 03 5355 0200 or visit epa.vic.gov.au.
