In your community

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On site sewer upgrade workSewerage backlog program

Many properties in Melbourne were built before sewerage infrastructure was available. As a result, over 17,000 homes in the northern and eastern suburbs are still using septic tank systems to manage their domestic wastewater which do not meet currently acceptable standards. These systems present a potential risk to public health, local waterways and the environment.

As part of the Yarra Valley Water Sewerage Backlog Program, each of these 17,000 homes will be provided with a new sewerage service at a cost of more than $300 million over a period of 25 years (between 2005/06 and 2024/25).
 

Developing the program

Septic tank systems are currently managed by municipal councils. However if wastewater cannot be contained on site, councils recommend that properties be connected to the metropolitan sewerage system.

The areas that will receive a new sewerage service have been identified through each council’s Domestic Wastewater Management Plan (DWMP). For each of these areas, Yarra Valley Water is responsible for the selection and implementation of the most suitable sewerage system. Once constructed, Yarra Valley Water is responsible for the ongoing operation and maintenance of the system. By connecting to the new sewerage service provided  you will benefit from a safer and more environmentally friendly way of managing your domestic wastewater. 


Benefits of connecting

This Fact Sheet explains the obligations of both yourself, as a property owner; and Yarra Valley Water.

Connecting to the sewerage system when it becomes available provides the following benefits:

  • Reducing your household’s impact on the local environment
  • Reducing odours around your home
  • Protecting public health
  • Increasing property values
  • Greater flexibility for home improvement/extension options
  • No ongoing responsibilities for maintaining or upgrading your septic tank system.


There are additional advantages to connecting early. Properties on the Sewerage Backlog Program are required to contribute $500 towards the cost of the new sewerage system regardless of whether connection is made. This contribution is waived if you connect within the first 12 months of the sewer being declared available, saving you $500.

For an explanation of the costs and funding for the Backlog Program click here.