Household Sewerage Treatment SystemsHousehold Sewerage Treatment Plants produce secondary or higher quality wastewater.

Did you know: The Moreton Bay Region has a large number of properties which are not connected to the

sewerage system. Treatment and disposal of wastewater generated on these properties must be contained within

the property. Treatment must not create unhealthy conditions or cause a nuisance to householders,

neighbours or harm the environment. Household Sewage Treatment Plants (HSTPs) are becoming the most common form of

treatment for household wastewater. The HSTP provides the householder with treated wastewater for re-use into garden and lawn

areas. Effluent quality of the HSTP is far superior to that of the conventional septic system. HSTP treats all household wastewater including the toilet (black water) to a standard set by the

state government. This re-usable water meets the required quality standards which allow surface irrigation.

The process: The process used to treat sewage varies depending on the type of system. Homeowner should

contact the manufacturer to find out how their particular system works. The most common type of system uses a septic breakdown (same process as standard septic

system) followed by an aeration process where oxygen is produced into a settling chamber where disinfection (usually chlorination occurs).

After the disinfection, the treated water is ready to be pumped to the designated area.

Responsibilities

Homeowner: Contact the system manufacturer for specific information regarding the service obligations and

products suitable for use in the system. Make sure the system is maintained as required (usually every 3 months). Ensure irrigation/disposal area and setback distances are maintained as per approval. Divert all surface water away from the system.

Service agent: It is service agent’s responsibility to provide council with a detailed report within one month of

each service. The report must contain: o Sludge and scum levelso Air blower size/operationo Pump noise levelso High level alarm – working statuso Disposal area complies with council requirementso Service tags are clearly marked and up to dateo Access to the system is secureo Owners are provided product informationo Emergency service is provided within 24 hourso Ensure no surface, subsurface or rainwater enters the treatment system

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Council: Approve the effluent disposal area and its location. Inspect new installations. Approve servicing agents. Maintain records of servicing submitted by service agents. Carry out annual independent inspections. Forward records of numbers and locations of installations to the state government. Advise the state government of problems in the operation of HSTPs. Advise prospective home purchasers of the existence of a treatment plant and the responsibilities

involved.

Dos and don’ts of the household sewerage treatment systems

Do: Maintain current service agreement with a licensed service agent. Stay up to date with products suitable for use in your system. Ensure that the disposal area complies with council requirements. Contact council with any problems you encounter within the industry. Keep an area clear for access to your system. Ensure effluent does not come into contact with people or animals.

Don’t: Put the following down the house drains: - hazardous chemicals, condoms, sanitary napkins,

excess cooking oils, heavy duty bleaches, ammonia or anti-bacterial cleaners or any other products not septic safe.

Allow any person other than an approved service agent to service or maintain your system. Allow effluent to pond on the ground. Use mist sprays on effluent spray lines.

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