On-site Wastewater Systems
The majority of households in the City of Port Lincoln area are provided with a sewer service by SA Water. A small number of properties are not serviced by SA Water and have their own wastewater arrangement. These can include septic tank and soakage systems or aerobic wastewater treatment systems.
Wastewater systems are governed by the South Australian Public Health Act 2011, South Australian Public Health (Wastewater) Regulations 2013 and its Prescribed Codes:
Approval from the relevant authority is required before installing or altering an on-site wastewater system.
This includes:
- Permanent greywater systems
- Connections to a Community Wastewater Management System (CWMS)
You must not begin any installation or alteration work until approval has been granted.
Before you apply
Before submitting your application, it's recommended that you:
- Research and choose a wastewater system suited to your property and needs
- Consider how your chosen system may affect how you can use your land
To help you prepare your application, refer to Council's guide:
On-Site Wastewater Works Application Guide [PDF 1,087KB].
What to include in your application
Your application must include:
- Two copies of a detailed sanitary plumbing and drainage lay-out (refer to Section 8 of the Code)
- A site and soil report (refer to Section 3.6.1 of the Code).
In some cases, you will also need:
- A detailed land capability assessment (soil report), showing the sites suitability for wastewater treatment and disposal or reuse
Submitting an Application
To apply, you must submit an application to the relevant authority using the approved form, along with the required fee, as outlined in Council's Fees and Charges Schedule.
Application form:
On-site Waterwater Work Approval Application - (external online form)
Council is the relevant authority for the installation of on-site wastewater systems with a capacity up to 40EP (Equivalent Persons) or connection to a Community Wastewater Management System; or
The South Australian Department for Health and Ageing for systems to be installed with a capacity greater than 40EP, Community Wastewater Management Systems and for wastewater systems in areas of the state not under local government control, as defined in the On-site Wastewater Systems Code.
As per the On-site Wastewater Systems code owners/operators of on-site wastewater systems shall ensure that they hold maintenance and service contracts for their on-site wastewater systems, where applicable under the conditions of approval. Owners/operators shall ensure that all maintenance and servicing is undertaken by an appropriately trained person with experience in servicing wastewater systems.
Servicing must be undertaken in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions and the conditions of the relevant authority's approval.
Service providers must forward a copy of each service report to the relevant authority and notify that authority if they cease to service the system.
Council reserves the rights to carry out inspections on any aspect or component of the on-site wastewater system to determine compliance or otherwise with all relevant standards and codes.
More information on wastewater system requirements including approved wastewater products can be found at SA Health’s website at www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wastewater.
Related information
Development, Planning and Building
Need more information
If you require any further information or have questions regarding on-site wastewater systems please contact:
City of Port Lincoln
Environment & Infrastructure Team
9.00am – 5.00pm, Monday to Friday
Phone: 8621 2300
Email: plcc@plcc.sa.gov.au