Septic tank permit

If your home isn’t connected to the town sewer network, you’ll need a septic tank system to treat and manage your household wastewater on your property.

When properly looked after, septic tanks are a safe and efficient way to handle wastewater.

You'll need to get a permit if you're installing or making changes to a septic tank system.

If you're building or altering your home, you'll need a permit to install the septic tank before a Building Permit can be issued.

Apply for a Septic Tank Permit

Step 1.Request an inspection

Before you start your application, contact us to schedule an on-site inspection.

Phone: 03 9217 2170

Email: publichealth@whittlesea.vic.gov.au 

Step 2.Get a septic tank permit application form

Download the application form:

Download the application form in Word format(DOCX, 173KB)

Download the application form in PDF format(PDF, 304KB)

Step 3.Gather required documents

Your application must include a detailed plan of the proposed septic tank system, created by your plumber.

This plan should show:

  • The location of your house relative to property boundaries.
  • The exact spots for all plumbing fixtures and fittings.
  • All buildings or planned buildings, water tanks, swimming pools, driveways, excavations, stormwater drains, water pipes, easement drains, streams, dams and watercourses.
  • The land slope near the wastewater disposal area.
  • The placement of the septic tank and the layout of the wastewater disposal area.

Step 4.Submit your completed form, plans and payment

Make sure the form is signed and plans are attached. 

You can submit your application via email, in-person or by mail. Details below: 

  • Email
    Send your completed documents to publichealth@whittlesea.vic.gov.au.
  • In person
    Bring all documents and payment to our Council Offices at 25 Ferres Boulevard, South Morang (View Map).
  • Mail
    Send your application to:City of Whittlesea, Locked Bag 1, Bundoora MDC VIC 3083.

Step 5.Wait to receive your invoice

Invoice will be e-mailed to you for payment.

We accept Cash, credit cards, EFTPOS or cheques.

Step 6.Wait to receive your permit

We'll send you a permit within 10 working days of receiving your application. Don’t start installing your septic tank until you get this permit.

Step 7.Request a site inspection 

Once your septic system is installed, make sure you get a Certificate of Compliance from a licensed plumber.

This certificate shows that your system meets all legal requirements and must be given to us at the site inspection.

Request a site inspection at least one day before you want us to check it.

A member of our Environmental Health team will visit the site to check that everything is set up correctly according to your permit.

If everything is in order, we’ll issue you a permit to use your septic system.

You’ll need this permit when applying for your building occupancy certificate.

Fees

For period July 2024 - 30 June 2025, onsite waste water management system fees are:

Installation permit fee $800.60
Installation hourly fee over 8.2 hours $100.25
Amend a permit fee $170.00
Minor alteration permit fee $610.05
Exemption assessment fee $240.25

 

Tips for maintaining your septic tank

It's important to take care of your septic tank to keep it working well and to prevent pollution. 

If a septic system fails, it could release untreated wastewater into local waterways or stormwater drains.

Here are some easy tips to help you maintain your septic system:

  • Keep things like oils, grease, food scraps, paints, medicines, and sanitary products out of your sink and toilet.
  • Use only a little bit of strong household cleaners like bleach and ammonia. Choose laundry and dish detergents that are low in phosphorus.
  • You can use less water by taking shorter showers, fixing any leaks, turning off taps when not in use, and using water-efficient appliances and fixtures, like front-loading washers, water-saving shower heads, and dual-flush toilets.
  • Try not to use a lot of water all at once. Spread out your water usage during the day to avoid overwhelming your septic system.
  • Don’t build anything over your septic system or bury it under extra soil. Also, avoid driving or parking on any part of the system.
  • Get your septic tank cleaned out every three years to remove solids that could clog the system.

By following these tips, you'll help keep your septic system running smoothly and avoid any major problems.

Whittlesea Domestic Wastewater Management Plan

The Whittlesea Domestic Wastewater Management Plan focuses on finding ways to reduce the health and environmental risks that come from home-based wastewater systems, like septic tanks. 

View the Whittlesea Domestic Wastewater Management Plan(PDF, 543KB).

 

Contact Us

Location

Council Offices
25 Ferres Boulevard
South Morang
3752
View Map

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