Water is an extremely important resource and part of making the best use of the resource is improving the way that we dispose of our wastewater.

In this section, information about the following water and wastewater topics will be outlined:

• Rainwater Tanks
• Swimming Pools
• Greywater Systems
• Septic Tanks
• Sewer
• Alternative Treatment Units

Rainwater Tanks

With the dwindling supplies of water available for public consumption, residents are encouraged to purchase rainwater tanks for use on their gardens during summer. Rain water tanks can also be used for drinking purposes, and if that is what you want to do, then contact Council's Health Services on 9273 3525 for some information on how to ensure that the tank water remains safe to drink.

An information note outlining the successful use of rain water tanks can be accessed by clicking on the Icon below on the right.

Rain Water Tank Info Note

Swimming Pools

Some pools are neglected over the winter months and become infested with mosquitoes and algae as the weather warms up. This can result in complaints to Council's Health Services and the amount of chemicals needed to improve the pool water for summer can be more expensive than if the right amount of chemicals had been used throughout the winter months. Your local pool shop can provide advice on "winterising" your pool.

Greywater Systems

Greywater reuse has become more popular in recent times because of more limited water supply and because there are more choices in the type of systems available. Reuse of greywater in homes is restricted to the use of systems that are approved by the Department of Health, and you will find that they operate using below ground disposal.

You will also need to submit an application, with the required fee, to Council's Health Services for approval to put in a greywater system, and if you are on sewer, you should contact the Water Corporation to make sure that the greywater system will not affect normal wastewater disposal.

An information note outlining safe reuse of household grey water can be accessed by clicking on the Icon below on the right.

Household Grey Water Reuse Info Note

Septic Tanks

A few properties in the City of Nedlands still use the standard septic tanks and leach drains. Most properties have changed over to sewer when it became available, but some may have the septic tanks and/or leach drains still in their back yard. (For details on Sewer availability please contact the Water Corporation). Disused septic tanks and leach drains need to be decommissioned if there is a change of use of the premises, if a building is built closer than 1.8m from leach drains and closer than 1.2m from septic tanks, or if the property is sold. Information about decommissioning septic tanks and leach drains can be sought by calling Council's Health Services on 9273 3525.

Sewer

If you have a blockage in your wastewater disposal system, you will need to call your local plumber out to try to remove the blockage. If you have any queries about your connection to the reticulated sewer system, you will need to contact the Water Corporation.

Alternative Treatment Units

In some areas of Western Australia where there is no reticulated sewerage available, and it is difficult to install a standard septic tank and leach drain, alternative systems that have been approved by the Department of Health can be used. If you are in this situation and intend on installing an alternative treatment unit, you will need to submit an application to Council's Health Services for approval to put in an alternative treatment unit.