Types of Effluent Disposal Systems

The following types of effluent disposal systems are approved and can be installed in the Shire of Harvey.

Conventional septic systems

These systems consist of two septic tanks and either two leach drains or four soak wells.  The septic tanks collect all effluent which is then discharged into the ground via leach drains or soak wells.

Visit the Department of Health for approved plastic and non-plastic septic tanks and leach drains.

Minimum setbacks that must be followed during installation are:

• 1.2m from the septic tank to any building, footings, retaining wall or boundary
• 1m between the primary and secondary septic tanks
• 1.8m from any leach drain to any septic tank, any other leach drains, building, footing or retaining wall, any sealed or paved area or boundary
• 30 metres from any leach drains to any well or bore intended for human consumption
• 6 metres from any leach drain to any sub-soil or open drainage system
• 1.2 metres from the base of the leach drain to the highest known winter water table.

Secondary treatment systems (previously known as aerobic treatment units)

Secondary treatment systems (previously known as aerobic treatment units or ATUs) incorporate aeration systems to aid in the breakdown of waste. They use irrigation dripper lines or sprinkler heads to disperse the treated waste.

Due to the number of sensitive environments and ecosystems within the Shire, you may be required to install a Department of Health approved secondary treatment system. This is to protect the environment and water systems.

Some of these systems have a capacity to remove nutrients through an internal process. This can be confirmed by the manufacturer or by visiting the Department of Health website for approved systems.

Aerobic treatment units require regular servicing by authorised servicing agents.

Nutrient retentive leaching systems

Nutrient retentive leaching systems have septic tanks to process the solid and liquid waste, however the waste is discharged through an amended soil which strips the waste of nutrients. The wastewater flows through the amended soil which binds phosphorous from the wastewater before disposal into the ground.

Refer to the Department of Health’s approved list of approved alternative treatment systems.

More information and contacts

For more information please contact us.

Related pages

• Installing and maintaining effluent disposal systems
• Decommissioning septic tanks