Wastewater
A key role of EPA is to improve the quality of water environments and prevent water pollution. Although major improvements in the control of wastewater have already taken place, there are still cases where the impacts of discharges need to be minimised.
Wastewater includes sewage and industrial waste. EPA's program to control wastes is based on the following hierarchy (order of preference):
- re-use and recycling
- recovery of energy
- treatment and disposal.
The best way to manage wastes is to stop them being generated, while treatment and disposal is the least preferred approach. This order applies to all types of waste, including wastewater. EPA believes the above hierarchy is a key to moving towards a sustainable society.
Guidelines for risk assessment of wastewater discharges to waterways
The impact of wastewater discharges to inland and marine water bodies is attracting greater interest, particularly given predictions for a drier climate in the future. Impacts are often exacerbated by drought conditions, with low flows reducing the dilution of discharges.
Guidance for industry
EPA's wastewater program includes providing advice to industry on sound environmental practices and controlling commercial and industrial wastewater discharges.
Guidance for water authorities
Water authorities operate plants that treat the household, commercial and industrial wastewater collected by sewerage systems. EPA has prepared publications to assist the wastewater industry to operate sustainably.
Onsite wastewater treatment systems
Centralised sewerage systems are the best way of dealing with wastewater in cities and towns. In rural residential developments and isolated rural dwellings, for example, the wastewater is collected, treated and reused or discharged by individual onsite wastewater treatment systems ('septic systems'). This page has information about approved wastewater treatment systems and guidance for local government and individuals on the management of onsite wastewater systems.
Model conditions for septic tank permits
This page has information about the system construction and maintenance, effluent sampling and analysis, and reports to council.
Trade waste partnerships program
Under this program, EPA and water businesses are helping industrial clients to reduce the quantity and improve the quality of trade waste sent to treatment plants. More »
Resources
Get information about water programs, legislation and publications: