In your community

Sewerage Backlog Program – Frequently Asked Questions

Why are sewerage services in my area being upgraded?
How will I know if I am getting the new services?
What kind of sewerage system is being constructed?
How much will it cost me to connect?
What happens if I can't afford to pay to connect?
Do I have to connect to the sewerage system?
How do I maintain my septic tank while I'm waiting for the new services?
What if I've recently upgraded my septic system?
Can I connect to the sewerage system even if I am not in an area identified by local council?
If I am on the backlog program can I get sewer earlier than scheduled?

1. Why are sewerage services in my area being upgraded?

Many properties in your area currently use septic tanks to manage their domestic wastewater. As the population grows, ageing septic tanks are often inadequate, creating both public health and environmental problems. Sewerage services are being provided so you can connect to a much better and more environmentally friendly wastewater collection and treatment system.

2. How will I know if I am getting the new services?

Yarra Valley Water has already started work in many areas. We are committed to keeping residents informed about the progress of the backlog program. When the time comes for your area to be sewered, we will contact you directly with further information. Yarra Valley Water will stay in contact with you right through to the construction phase.

3. What kind of sewerage system is being constructed?

When designing new sewerage services for an area, Yarra Valley Water aims to deliver the least community cost and most sustainable solution. We consider local conditions such as topography, vegetation, and community requirements. We are currently installing both gravity and pressure sewer systems across our backlog areas. The type of sewer system installed is selected by a thorough options assessment phase.

Find out more information about the types of sewerage systems commonly used in sewerage backlog areas.

4. How much will it cost me to connect?

Details of the costs of connecting can be found on the Backlog Costs webpage.

5. What happens if I can't afford to pay to connect?

Yarra Valley Water is committed to working with individuals and families on a case by case basis. Some funding is also available through the Department of Human Services (DHS). For more information, please contact us.

6. Do I have to connect to the sewerage system?

Once a sewerage system is provided, property owners are required to connect, unless they can prove that they comply with the regulations contained in Section 5 of the Environment Protection Authority (EPA)'s Code of Practice - Onsite Wastewater Management. This can be accessed on EPA Victoria’s website at www.epa.vic.gov.au/water/wastewater/onsite.asp.

Whether you connect or not, you will still be required to pay the $500 contribution towards the cost of bringing the sewer to the community.

Download fact sheet: Connecting to the sewerage system when it becomes available (PDF, 238KB).

7. How do I maintain my septic tank while I'm waiting for the new services?

Your local council sets guidelines for the proper maintenance of your septic tank. Please contact your local council to find out how to maintain your system in accordance with their requirements.

If your property is on the sewerage backlog program but you choose to continue using your septic tank, you may be discharging harmful pollutants into the environment. This can pose a public health risk as well causing pollution in rivers and streams.

8. What if I've recently upgraded my septic system?

Whether you connect or not, you will still be required to contribute $500 towards the cost of bringing the sewer to the community.

If you have recently upgraded to a septic system that complies with the requirements contained in Section 5 of the Environment Protection Authority (EPA)’s Code of Practice – Onsite Wastewater Management, you will not be required to connect to the sewerage system.

The EPA document states that a septic tank system is not permitted when reticulated sewerage is available, except where:

An EPA approved secondary treatment system is installed prior to the property owners being notified of the intention to sewer the property by Yarra Valley Water
The septic tank system treats the wastewater to a high standard, defined as:
- 20 mg/L of Biochemical Oxygen Demand
- 30 mg/L of Suspended Solids
- 10 cfu/100mL of E.coli
The septic tank system is maintained and meets the EPA’s system approval
All treated effluent is irrigated onsite to avoid all year round soil saturation or surface runoff and is contained within the allotment boundary.

Please note that this is only a summary of the requirements contained within the Code of Practice – Onsite Wastewater Management. You can obtain a copy of this document by contacting the EPA directly or by downloading it from their website at www.epa.vic.gov.au/water/wastewater/onsite.asp

9. Can I connect to the sewerage system even if I am not in an area identified by local council?

Yes, if the sewerage pipes are available. However, you will be required to pay the full cost of connection.

10. If I am on the backlog program can I get sewer earlier than scheduled?

It is possible to bring forward your sewerage connection in some circumstances. In order to do this Yarra Valley Water usually requires a financial contribution to cover the costs incurred for bringing forward the works. This cost will vary from property to property, and depends on a number of factors. If you would like to know more about what is involved in bringing your sewerage connection forward, please contact our enquiries on 13 17 21 or via enquiries@yvw.com.au. If you would like to apply for preliminary servicing advice for bringing forward sewerage to your property, please send your request, along with your contact and property details, to development.services@yvw.com.au.