On-Site Wastewater Management Systems & Septic Tanks
How to apply to install or alter an Onsite Wastewater Management System in an unsewered area, maintain the system and land capability assessments.
For non-sewered properties, an onsite wastewater management system, such as a septic tank with a disposal area or an aerated wastewater treatment system with a disposal area will be needed to manage the effluent and reduce the risk to public health.
An onsite wastewater system treats and contains sewage (toilet water) and greywater (from baths, showers, sinks, etc.) within the property boundaries.
Property owners in unsewered areas must obtain consent from the Mildura Rural City Council before installing or modifying an Onsite Wastewater Management System.
To apply for the installation or alteration of an Onsite Wastewater Management System, property owners must submit a Land Capability Assessment, provide a detailed site and/or floor plans, and pay the required statutory fee of $798.20. The Fee to alter Fixtures only is $608.20. These documents help ensure the proposed system is suitable for the location and meets the requirements of the Environment Protection guidelines and relevant Australian Standards.
Note: In accordance with the Building Regulations 2018 (132), Where an unsewered allotment requires the installation of an onsite wastewater management system and/or the erection or alteration of a building with an existing onsite system, building surveyors must obtain a ‘Report and Consent’ from MRCC before issuing a Building Permit [Building Regulations (2)(a)(b)]
OWMS-Application-Updated-v1-2025.pdf(PDF, 776KB)
OWMS-Application-Updated-v1-2025-Electronic.pdf(PDF, 775KB)
A Land Capability Assessment is a report that evaluates the feasibility of onsite wastewater management for properties not connected to a reticulated sewer system.
It examines the potential risks a wastewater system may pose to public health, the environment, and local amenities. The report offers essential insights into site-specific limitations and recommends appropriate management strategies to minimize the system's impact on the surrounding area.
EPA Requirements for owners and occupiers of land with an onsite wastewater management system https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/for-community/environmental-information/water/about-wastewater/onsite-wastewater-regulatory-framework
Contact
For more information about Onsite Wastewater Management Systems please contact
Email: health@mildura.vic.gov.au
Phone: 03 5018 8216