Installing and Maintaining a Septic Tank

 Choosing an Effluent Disposal System and Location

When sewer connection is not available to your property, an onsite effluent waste disposal system is required.  For all new dwellings, sheds, renovations or additions to existing dwellings an application must be lodged.

The type of effluent disposal system and its location are determined by many factors including ground water depth, sewerage sensitive areas, wetlands, water courses and bores. 

Find out about the types of effluent disposal systems. You can also contact the Shire’s Health Services for help to determine the type of system you should install and its location.  

Approval to install an Effluent Disposal System

Who assesses and approves applications

• For single residential or small commercial premises (producing up to 540 litres of wastewater per day): The Shire of Harvey usually handles the approval for on-site effluent disposal systems.
• For larger residential or commercial properties: The approval process falls under the Department of Health (WA). However, even for these larger properties, applications must initially be submitted to theShire's Health Services. Once received, the Shire will forward your application to the Department of Health for assessment and approval. 

How to apply

To apply, please: 

• Complete the application form below 
• Include a scaled site plan (1:100)*
• Attach schematic plans detailing the proposed plumbing layout 
• Pay the application and permit-to-use fee (details are in the application form) 
• If approval from the Department of Health WA is necessary, an additional payment is required (details are in the application form). 

*Refer to requirements for site plans below. 

Required Drawings

Drawings must indicate the following:

• Location of effluent disposal system and all drains and pipework 
• Distance of the system from all buildings, boundaries, bores, waterway and waterbodies 
• Distance of system from all trafficable areas 
• Site plan to have contour lines indicating the slope of the land 

Important notes:

• If the premises produce more than 540 litres of waste per day, approval is also required by the Department of Health. Additional fees may apply. Submit the application as per the instructions above and the Shire of Harvey will contact you to discuss further.
• The application can be made by the property owner or plumber.
• Payment can be made by completing the credit card detail on the form or you can contact us to pay by phone.

Following the assessment and approval of your application, you will be provided with conditions that the system must meet.

Inspection and permit to use

Prior to the occupation of your dwelling, a final inspection of the septic tank must be undertaken by a Shire of Harvey Environmental Health Officer.

The responsibility is with the installer of the system to arrange the inspection.

Please ensure prior to the inspection that:

• The pipe work into the tanks has been left exposed
• All conditions as specified on the approval letter have been completed and
• Power is available and connected to the pump and alarm, if installed.

Once the system has been inspected and commissioned, a Permit to Use will be issued and you are able to move into your dwelling or use the system.

Important note: It is an offence to use a system before it has been inspected and approved.

Desludging/pumping out

Over time tanks will accumulate sludge and scum and will need to be pumped out (desludged).

As a guide, pumping out/desludging is required as follows:

• Two-person households: Every four years
• Four-person household: Every eight years
• Four+ person household: More often is recommended.

Pumping out/desludging requires a licenced liquid waste contractor. Contractors are listed in the Yellow Pages under Septic Tank Cleaning Services.

Existing Effluent Disposal Systems

Leach drains: 

• If your system was approved from 1990 onwards, it has two leach drains and an alternating device. 
• Alternate between the leach drains each year to allow systems to rest. 

Secondary treatment systems: 

• These systems need regular servicing by a qualified agent. 
• After servicing, the agent must submit a report to the Shire. 

The Shire may have copies of existing plans. If required, please contact us.

More information and contacts

For more information please contact us.

Related pages

• Types of effluent disposal systems
• Decommissioning septic tanks