GREYWATER SYSTEMS AND RAINWATER TANKS

Water is a vital resource, however its availability and quality is one of the most pressing issues, particularly in Western Australia where water resources are scarce leading to water shortages across the state. The Town of Mosman Park has been a Waterwise Council since June 2011 and as such, is committed to educating and encouraging all Mosman Park residents to adopt more sustainable practices in and around their homes.

Greywater Systems

Greywater is any wastewater not from the toilet, so that can be from the washing machine, bath, shower and all sinks and basins - even the kitchen sink! There is a common misconception that greywater is not harmful to your health, however it is important to know that greywater can contain faecal contamination, bacteria and viruses, lint, hair, chemicals and washing agents, oils, grease and fats.

Greywater must therefore be properly managed and treated before being used in and around your home, to minimise the risks to you and your family’s health and the environment.

You will need approval from the Town to install a greywater system in your home or business. The following must be considered and submitted to the Town’s Environmental Health Officer prior to the system being constructed or installed:

• You may only install a greywater system that has been approved by the WA Department of Health. For the current list of approved greywater systems in WA please click here .
• A completed Application to Construct or Install an Apparatus for the Treatment of Sewage with details of the system, end use and any other relevant information;
• 2 copies of detailed site plans showing all treatment chambers, pumps, piping and irrigation lines; and the
• Application fee - $113.00

Wastewater Treatment Systems

Applications for other wastewater treatment systems (e.g. septic tanks and aerobic treatment units) must follow the same application and approval process as greywater systems.

You will need approval from the Town to install any wastewater system at your home or business. The following must be submitted to the Town’s Environmental Health Officer prior to the system being constructed or installed:

• A completed Application to Construct or Install an Apparatus for the Treatment of Sewage (click here) with details of the system, end use and any other relevant information;
• 2 copies of detailed site plans showing all treatment chambers, pumps, piping and irrigation lines; and the
• All application fees

- $113.00 – Local Government Application fee

- $155.15 – Local Government Report fee

- $133.00 – Fee for the grant of a Permit to Use and Apparatus
 

Greywater / Wastewater Application and Approval Process

Things to be Considered

Applicants must remember that it is illegal to construct any greywater or wastewater system without an official “Approval to Construct or Install an Apparatus for the Treatment of Sewage” issued by the Town or the Department of Health (if applicable).

Once the system has been installed or constructed, you must contact the Town’s Environmental Health Officer for a final inspection. It is illegal to cover over and/or connect a system without a final inspection being conducted and a “Permit to Use” being granted by the Town.

Please note, dependent on the size and use of the proposed system, your application may need to be approved by the WA Department of Health. Once your application has been submitted and assessed, the Town’s Environmental Health Officer will notify you if your application will need to be sent to the Department of Health and will ask for the additional $35.00 fee.

Please contact the Town’s Environmental Health Officer on 9383 6600 for further information or see the links below.

• Application to Construct or Install an Apparatus for the Treatment of Sewage form
• WA Department of Health publication “Using Greywater” – click here 
• WA Department of Health’s website (Greywater) 

Rainwater Tanks

Using rainwater to water your gardens and in and around your home can be a sustainable and cost-effective alternative water resource. If you are thinking of installing a rainwater tank at your property, please contact the Town of Mosman Park. Further information on rainwater tanks and urban rainwater collection can be found on the Department of Health’s website – please click here.