The majority of residences within the Bathurst Local Government Area are connected to the reticulated sewerage system. However some of the rural residences require the installation of on-site effluent disposal systems.

The type of effluent disposal system required will depend on:

• the size of your house
• soil type on the property
• depth to the water table; and
• the environmental sensitivity of the area.

In some areas, aerobic treatment units and nutrient retentive systems are necessary to ensure that phosphorous does not impact on natural water bodies. A range of systems are available for installation however each effluent disposal system needs to be approved by NSW Health prior to obtaining Council’s consent.

Before an effluent disposal system can be installed on your property you need to complete a Septic Tank Application.  This application, with payment of the appropriate fees, must be lodged with Council's Environmental, Planning & Building Services Department for assessment.  You will be notified by mail of the outcome of that assessment.

Part of the assessment process involves a risk assessment of the effluent disposal system.  This risk assessment takes into account these issues such as topography, distance to property boundaries, distance to other residences and proximity to water ways.

Depending on the risk rating assigned, the effluent disposal system will be granted an “approval to operate” for a period of one, three or five years.  Prior to expiry of this approval, the resident must arrange an inspection by Council’s officers (which is subject to a fee).  Once the inspection has been undertaken, an extension to the “approval to operate” will be granted.