Septic Tanks

The Health (Treatment of Sewage and Disposal of Effluent and Liquid Waste) Regulations 1974 sets requirements for installation and decommissioning of septic systems and alternative disposal systems.

This section contains information and application forms.

If a property is not connected to sewer a alternative onsite disposal systems is required. All installations of onsite disposal systems require approval prior to being installed. Domestic applications and other applications that produce up to 540L of waste per day can be approved by the Shire by completing a the following application - Application to Install a Domestic Septic System

All commercial/industrial installations for properties that produced more than 540L per day require Department of Health Approval. Applicants can apply to the Department of Health directly or they can apply through the Shire. To apply for a Department of Health approval or obtain additional information download the following document - Application to Install Commercial Septic System

The most onsite disposal system is a traditional septic system comprising of two septic tanks and two leach drains or soak wells. Alternative systems are also available including ATU's (Aerobic Treatment Units).

Properties in Jurien Bay Heights a subjected to larger setback distances and property owners should contact the Shire for further details.

There are alternatives to the traditional septic tank and leach drain disposal systems which can be installed in most areas within the Shire of Dandaragan.

These alternatives include:

Aerobic Treatment Units or ATU's

These units treat the wastewater from dwellings ready for disposal or reuse.

Click on this link to read more about the Shire's requirements in relation to ATU's. Installing a domestic ATU

 Greywater Treatment Systems

Greywater (water from showers, laundries and kitchen) cannot be pumped straight from the house onto gardens unless it has undergone some treatment processes.

Greywater treatment systems are designed to filter and treat greywater. Once treated the water can be reused on gardens.

More information is available in the following document - Installation of Greywater Systems

Decommissioning Septic Tanks

The Health (Treatment of Sewage and Disposal of Effluent and Liquid Waste) Regulations 1974 requires the decommissioning of onsite effluent disposal systems if the property has been connected to sewer and if the following occurs:

• The use of the property changes - Decommissioning must occur within 60 days of the change;
• There is a change of ownership of the property - Decommissioning must occur within 60 days of the ownership change;
• A building is proposed to be constructed within 1.2 m of the system - decommissioning must occur before the construction occurs and
• The building is proposed to be demolished - Decommissioning must occur before demolition works are completed. 

Further information can be found on the following document - Decommissioning a Septic Tank