Wastewater management

There are three common types of waste control or septic systems used in The Barossa;

1. conventional soakage system
2. aerobic wastewater system
3. septic tank connection to Council's Community Wastewater Management System.

A conventional septic tank system consists of two components, the septic tank and the soakage trench. The tank is installed in the ground with an access shaft over the lid opening to allow access to the tank for the purposes of maintenance and pumping out.

Tanks are required to be pumped out at least every four years. If the tank is not pumped out regularly then solids build up and begin to migrate to the soakage trench and the system will fail to operate efficiently.

Once the efficiency of the soakage trench is compromised the effluent may break through to surface level and create overflows and pose a health hazard.

An aerobic wastewater treatment system consists of a primary treatment tank and a secondary treatment tank. The first of these tanks act like a traditional septic tank where solids and liquids are separated. The secondary tank incorporates an aeration blower to promote further breakdown of the effluent which then progresses to a pump chamber where it is disinfected and pumped to a designated above ground irrigation area.

These systems require quarterly maintenance servicing by an accredited agent or trained personnel to ensure the reclaimed effluent complies with the criteria stipulated by SA Health. This may include checking the blowers, contact media, pipework, valves, diffusers, effluent clarity, sludge return, removal of excess scum, testing the pump and general operation of the system. A supply of chlorine tablets sufficient to last until the next scheduled service must be installed in the unit as part of this service.

The Barossa Council is the service provider for the CWMS effluent treatment and disposal in the townships of Lyndoch, Mount Pleasant, Nuriootpa, Penrice, Springton, Stockwell, Tanunda and Williamstown. Note that not all allotments in these townships are serviced by a CWMS connection.

The CWMS collects and treat wastewater from the property using a common network. Household sewerage flows into a septic tank on the property and into a connection point to the common network.

If your property is connected to the CWMS, as part of the services included within your annual rates, we will arrange for an EPA licenced contractor to desludge your septic tank. This ensures the effective operation of the septic tank and maintains the efficient operation of the CWMS. This will occur once every four years (maximum). Dependant on the size and/or requirements of your system.