Septic Safe, a local community health program, is an initiative to check the safety of on-site sewage management systems and provide practical advice to households on better effluent disposal management.

“Statewide research shows that around 70 per cent of septic systems are failing. Surprisingly, many new systems may not be working properly,” said Miss Stephens, “We cannot afford to have our drinking water supplies like bores and waterways, polluted by sewage pollution. This is a threat to our health and livelihood”.

It is important for residents serviced by an on-site sewage management system to be aware of the new Septic Safe regulations and understand their Septic Safe responsibilities. “Householders can no longer turn a blind eye to the operation of their on-site sewage management systems. Like registering a car, all landowners not connected to the sewer must now have an approval to operate an on-site sewage management system.”

More than 900 households in the Shire have already registered in Septic Safe. “This is a great result. It clearly demonstrates that members of our community want to ensure their on-site systems are safe and do not cause the spread of disease and pollution.”

“Members of the community must all work together to ensure our on-site sewage management systems are Septic Safe.” To provide the community with up to date knowledge on their responsibilities and how to maintain a healthy on-site sewage management system, Tallaganda Shire Council will be running a short program called ‘Caring for Your On-site Sewage Management System’ in September. The program is free, and all householders are encouraged to attend.

For more information please contact Council’s Environmental Health and Building Surveyor, Louise Stephens, on 02 4842 2225.