Septic Apparatus

Septic Tanks

Septic tank systems provide a method of on-site wastewater disposal that can be used to allow development of land where deep sewerage is not available. Older sections of Mullaloo, Burns Beach, Sorrento as well as parts of Marmion and Duncraig were subdivided before deep sewerage was available to those suburbs and properties utilised septic tank systems for wastewater disposal. Most of these suburbs have more recently been provided with deep sewerage as part of the Water Corporation's Sewerage Infill Program. 

In the area of Kingsley between Lake Goolelal and Wanneroo Road deep sewerage is still not available and properties in that area use septic tanks or alternative on-site effluent disposal methods for wastewater.

Restrictions

Buildings, foundations and most structures are not permitted within 1.2m of septic tanks sytems. Areas above septic tanks should not be paved unless access to the system is still available without requiring the removing paving. As septic tanks systems can comprise anywhere between 2 and 6 tanks and soakwells, this can result in a large area of a property that cannot be built on. This restiction can prevent owners of houses using septic tanks systems from installing pools, retainings walls, gazebo's and granny flats on their property. Once deep sewerage is available to a property, owners may want to connect and decommission their septic tanks systems so they can build or develop more of their land.    

Decommissioning

Did you know when you decommission septic apparatus you need to advise the City? This prevents delays in processing future development applications and may also prevent delays in settlement if you sell your property.

Please complete the attached decommissioning form if decommissioning works have been undertaken.  The form is to be filled out by the contractor/person who carried out the works and must indicate the number of septic tanks and soak wells and/or leach drains that were removed.  The form is to be returned to the City with a copy of the liquid waste receipt supplied by the liquid waste contractor as evidence of the pumping out of the system.

Timeframe for decommission

The City recommends that once sewer connection has been made, any septic system be decommissioned as soon as possible, as septic systems can collapse without warning.  Legally you must decommission the apparatus within 60 days of a change of use or ownership of the premises, or where foundations for a building are to be built closer than 1.2m to an apparatus or where a building is proposed above an apparatus.

For further information please contact the City on 9400 4933.