A flush new start: campaign tackles ageing septic problems in Monbulk
Yarra Valley Water and Yarra Ranges Council have launched a new ‘Septic to Sewer’ campaign to highlight the benefits of connecting to a modern sewerage system.
Yarra Valley Water General Manager Asset Services Bridie Fennessy said making the switch delivers major environmental, community and health benefits.
“We’re sharing more information about the benefits of making the switch, so Monbulk households and businesses can move from out-of-date septic units to modern sewerage systems and immediately start seeing the difference,” Ms Fennessy said.
“Customers tell us they no longer face ongoing maintenance or upgrade costs, odours or boggy patches in their yards. Problems that can be all too common with ageing septic systems,” Ms Fennessy said.
“Customers also say they feel more confident when hosting family and friends, knowing their systems can cope with the extra use,” she said.
Monbulk local resident and business owner Ms Nikki Carter recently connected to the new sewerage system and is very happy with the change.
“To celebrate, I hosted a Toilet Party with friends from far and abroad, with an odour free toilet flush and some nibblies and wine in our backyard, which is no longer soggy,” Ms Carter said.
“Since moving off septic and onto the sewerage system, our house is smelling and feeling great, and I know it’s better for the environment,” Ms Carter said.
Benefits of the Community Sewerage Program include:
- no septic maintenance or upgrade costs
- no odours and boggy patches
- greater flexibility for home improvement/extension
- improved local waterway health
- reduced risk to public health.
As part of the campaign, residents will see social media posts, posters and postcards highlighting the hidden problems with septic systems.
Yarra Valley Water has a shopfront at 74 Main Road, Monbulk (next to the newsagency), open on Mondays from 10 am - 4 pm. Yarra Valley Water staff can answer questions about the Community Sewerage Program and have information to share – including samples of sewerage equipment, brochures, fact sheets and photos.
For more information about connecting to the sewerage system visit www.yvw.com.au/connect-sewer
Community Sewerage Program Fast Facts
- Over the 2024-29 period, Yarra Valley Water is delivering a sewerage network that will enable around 3,000 properties to connect to the main sewerage system.
- Many homes in the outer northern and eastern suburbs of Melbourne were built before sewerage services were available and have relied on septic tank systems. These systems are ageing, and many do not meet modern public health and environmental standards.