Review of the Regulatory Requirements for the Maintenance of Aerobic Treatment Units and Greywater Treatment Systems in Western Australia

Abstract

Aerobic Treatment Units (ATU) and Greywater Treatment Systems (GTS) are onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS) designed to treat wastewater to secondary effluent quality standards. Consequently, the electrical, mechanical and chemical components of these OWTS need to be regularly maintained to ensure their consistent and reliable operation to the required standards. In Western Australia (WA), the Department of Health set out the regulatory requirements for the maintenance of OWTS as well as when and how it is to occur. This paper reviews the maintenance requirements for ATU and GTS in WA and provides recommendations for the proposed changes in guidelines and regulations. State and national guidelines were reviewed and information from industry and regulators was obtained through surveys. The review found that although the guidelines are generally satisfactory there are a number of areas which could be improved and specific recommendations are discussed.