Waste water management and your property

How we manage waste water is an important part of protecting our environment and public health. You need to understand your responsibilities for managing waste water at your property as a landowner or occupier. 

Mains sewerage connections

If you are a landowner in a rural area and you are proposing to build or renovate you must connect to the mains sewerage system if it's available.

If your property has an existing wastewater treatment system (such as a septic system) that does not meet EPA standards at the time a sewer connection point becomes available, you must connect to the mains sewerage system.

Septic tanks and managing waste water in unsewered areas

In unsewered areas, landowners must obtain a permit before installing or altering an onsite wastewater management system. Once the installation of the waste water management system is completed and approved, landowners must obtain a certificate to use the system. Find out about installing or altering a septic system.

Maintaining a septic system

Protect the environment, extend the life of the system and protect the future use of the land. You are required by law to maintain your septic system.

Regulation and enforcement

Council is responsible for regulation and will enforce non-compliances. Enforcement measures may include education, infringements, notices and prosecution if necessary.

Onsite Wastewater Management Plan

This plan outlines the responsibilities of landowners and occupiers, explains wastewater management strategies, regulations and standards.

Onsite Wastewater Management Plan 2024-2029(PDF, 7MB)

Connecting to sewer – the benefits 

In collaboration with Yarra Valley Water this video discusses the benefits of connecting to sewerage.

Additional information about connecting to sewerage is available from Yarra Valley Water on the Community Sewerage Program page.