Step-by-Step AWTS Project Guide
A step-by-step guide to obtaining a wastewater treatment system
Wastewater Treatment System Design, Purchase & Installation Guide
If your property is not connected to the main sewer line, it is necessary that your home or business is connected to an onsite wastewater management system. EnviroTas makes the process easy, guiding you through design, council approvals, installation and servicing.
Our local wastewater treatment team has extensive experience in planning wastewater treatment projects in the state of Tasmania and are very familiar with specific climate requirements and local council regulations.
Whether you are building a new home, upgrading an old septic tank or a bigger commercial area, our wastewater engineers in Tasmania will ensure that it is done properly from the very start.
If you have any questions about what to do next for the organisation of your Onsite Wastewater Management System call or send an enquiry today - we'd love to help!
Step 1
Initial Consultation
Site Assessment
Council Approval
The property owner will need to engage an accredited wastewater engineer who will conduct site and soil testing and design an onsite wastewater system.
The wastewater engineer will determine which type of onsite wastewater management system would be most applicable to your property and provide a fit-for-purpose design for the specific property. This could be an Aerated Wastewater Treatment System (AWTS) or Secondary Treatment System (STS) or some other treatment based on soil type, land size, water use etc.
If an AWTS is specified, the designer may make a recommendation for a brand that is best suited for your site, for example the locally manufactured EnviroTas-AS system is designed for Tasmanian conditions. The property owner should discuss any preferences for system location, land application area, and any future plans like ancillary dwellings, pools or sheds with the wastewater designer prior to the design being completed.
This step is essential for all wastewater treatment projects because it ensures your system meets local standards and is built to perform long-term.
After receiving the completed wastewater design, you will need to get a quote from a licensed wastewater system supplier and installer such as EnviroTas. The quote will have supply, installation and any site preparation that is necessary. Our team will go through the design and give you definite pricing and a schedule of your project.
It is extremely important to choose a reputable wastewater system supplier and installer to ensure your system is installed exactly as per the design to avoid any complications long term.
When you confirm which system and supplier you are using, you will need to apply for a plumbing permit through your local council. EnviroTas can help you prepare and lodge the paperwork for wastewater approval on Tasmania projects.
Permit costs vary slightly between councils, but typically range between $1,000 and $1,500. Once approval is granted and the permit has been issued to you, work can begin on your new wastewater treatment system installation.
Step 2
System Installation
Installation must be completed by a licensed plumber and electrician following manufacturer’s instructions and applicable standards and regulations. There are two options for this:
- The property owner can engage a licensed plumber to complete the installation. EnviroTas will coordinate delivery and provide full installation support.
- EnviroTas can manage the complete installation, including excavation, tank placement, plumbing connections, and electrical setup, in line with the approved plumbing permit. Our team has installed reliable wastewater treatment systems all across Tasmania.
Once installation is finished, a council plumbing inspector will visit the site to confirm that the wastewater treatment system has been installed according to the approved design. The wastewater engineer may also inspect the system to confirm compliance.
After inspection, EnviroTas will commission the system for operation and send the commissioning certificate to council. The wastewater designer will provide certification for the design and installation and will submit this to council. Once the documentation is accepted, the council gives final approval and the system becomes functional.
Step 3
Ongoing Maintenance and Servicing
All wastewater treatment systems must be serviced by an accredited provider as part of system accreditation and council requirements. The EnviroTas-AS system is accredited for servicing every six months, while many other systems require quarterly maintenance. Regular servicing keeps your system compliant and ensures long-term efficiency.
Property owners must have a maintenance contract with a service provider. EnviroTas organises this on your behalf and lodges all required service reports with the council. Scheduled servicing begins once the system is operational, and our team completes the first service during commissioning.
To keep your system in good condition, avoid using strong chemicals, oils, or products that can harm beneficial bacteria. The user manual that comes with your system explains what to use and what to avoid. Following these guidelines is extremely important to keep your wastewater treatment system healthy and working efficiently, and will help to prevent damages and bad odours around the system and plumbing.
Over time, solids build up inside the tank and must be removed. This is called a pumpout or de-sludge, and it must be done by someone approved by the Health Department.
Your EnviroTas technician will tell you when your system is due for a pumpout and provide a clear quote.
By following these steps, property owners can have an Onsite Wastewater Management System that is correctly installed, well-maintained, and designed to treat and recycle wastewater efficiently while reducing environmental impact.
Upon installation, you will receive a User Manual Pack from EnviroTas which includes a Service Agreement Contract. Please complete the form and return to EnviroTas sales@envirotas.com.au so we can continue to maintain your system.
