Sustainable sewerage solutions

Across Victoria, more than 400 small towns use septic tank systems. Properly managed, septic tanks generally manage wastewater efficiently. But septic tanks may not always be adequate. When septic tanks do not function properly or where house blocks are too small for infiltration trenches to work properly, the effluent (or wastewater) from septic tanks can present a public health or environmental risk. The effluent can find its way to groundwater, rivers, lakes and the sea. This can create a risk to public health and the environment. This is happening in some small towns across Victoria and is particularly prevalent in coastal areas with many large unsewered towns.

Sustainable water supply solutions

Many towns in regional Victoria do not have a reliable and safe water supply. Even in some towns with reticulated water supplies, residents occasionally must boil water. In other towns, rainwater tanks are used for water supply, which can cause shortages and poor quality water. Where groundwater is used for water supply, contamination by sewerage can be a threat. The Country Towns Water Supply and Sewerage Program has funded sustainable solutions to stop these risks where the need is most urgent.

Managing domestic wastewater

The program also is looking ahead - preventing future problems. Councils prepared domestic wastewater management plans. These plans will identify current needs - and prevent future risks to public health and the environment.

Now and the future

The Country Towns Water Supply and Sewerage Program's $42 million invested:

• $21 million in water and sewerage services for priority towns with the most urgent health and environment issues.
• $12 million on towns in the Gippsland Lakes area;
• $6 million on "showcase" towns that will develop innovative solutions that other towns can learn from;
• $4 million in upgrading water supply in towns with the most urgent problems; and
• $3 million in helping councils to prepare domestic wastewater management plans.