Useful guides to On-site Wastewater Treatment

There are many types of on-site wastewater treatment systems – the most common type of system is the septic tank and disposal field. On-site systems need to be designed and installed correctly and they require regular maintenance to work effectively. If your system fails it will cause a dirty, smelly and potential costly mess.

A failing system can put your family’s health at risk and it may also pollute the water in local streams, rivers or wells with pathogens and nutrients that are harmful to humans and the environment. To learn more about septic tanks and how to look after them see The Story of your Septic Tank System pamphlet (PDF 1.6MB) produced by the New Zealand Water and Waste Association and the Ministry for the Environment.

Waitakere City Council has a useful website.

The Smarter Homes website's sewerage system's overview is a good source of information on choosing and maintaining septic tanks.

For information specific to Wainui Beach contact GDC.

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Proposed National Environmental Standard for On-site Wastewater Systems

The Ministry for the Environment aims to improve the management and environmental performance of domestic on-site wastewater systems to reduce the risks to human health and the environment. This discussion document assesses different policy options for improving the management and environmental performance of on-site systems, such as using non-regulatory measures, amending existing legislation, developing a national policy statement, and developing a national environmental standard.

The discussion focuses on a national environmental standard (the proposed standard) as the preferred option to achieve the objective. In essence, the proposed standard is that:

Owners of properties with on-site wastewater systems in specific locations will be required to hold a current warrant of fitness that confirms their on-site system is functioning properly and is being maintained to an appropriate standard.

The proposed standard would authorise regional councils to implement a scheme that require property owners with an on-site system to hold a current warrant of fitness (WOF) for their system. To obtain a WOF, a system will be required to pass an inspection. Inspections will be carried out every three years.

The proposed standard would apply to domestic on-site systems that are operated as permitted activities under rules in regional plans. However, your views are sought on whether the proposed standard should include other systems, such as commercial on-site systems or systems covered by a resource consent.

View full discussion document

NOTICE: There is to be an Ministry for the Environment consultation meeting on August 19 from 2pm at Lawson Field Theatre to discuss the proposed National Environmental Standard for On-site Wastewater Systems. Everyone is invited. 

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