Online Payments Unavailable - End of Financial Year
Online payments are currently unavailable while we update our systems for the new financial year. This will affect the payment of rates, licences and registrations via our online payment portal.
Maintain Your Septic System
Signs to Watch Out For
The implications of a poorly performing or damaged system are significant:
- Pollution to the environment, particularly water
- Impacts to health of people and animals
- Costs of repairs, and in some cases fines•
Signs of Problems
- Water draining away slowly from sinks, bathtubs and showers
- Gurgling pipes when water is draining.
- Foul odours coming from the area of the system
- Water pooling or discolouration to grass around the disposal area
- Grass is unusually green above the septic system outlet
Common Causes
- Too much sludge or foreign objects blocking the disposal line
- More wastewater coming in than the septic tank is designed for, washing solids into the disposal line
- Low numbers of the bacteria required to treat the wastewater
- Toxic chemicals (like bleach or commercial cleaners) entering the system, killing the bacteria
- The mechanical parts (pumps and sensors) of secondary treatment systems breaking down
- Roots invading the septic systems, causing leaks or blockages
How to respond
Contact a licensed plumber to have the cause of any problems identified. It is not recommended to get a pump out immediately as this may not be necessary and only mask the problem temporarily.