The Treated Water from Your Sewerage Treatment Plant has to Go Somewhere.

Each site has individual characteristics and constraints such as a watercourse, easement, environmental covenants, building envelope and other aspects like the size of your property. 

The Treated Water from Your Sewerage Treatment Plant has to Go Somewhere.

Each site has individual characteristics and constraints such as a watercourse, easement, environmental covenants, building envelope and other aspects like the size of your property. 

“The Earth is What we All have in Common”

Our on-site soil evaluations comply with Australian standards AS/NZS 1547:2012 + Plumbing Codes, and our experienced team of engineers will determine the best course of action for your specific needs. In many cases, the treated water from your sewerage treatment system can be reused for irrigation or other purposes. Still, in some cases, it may need to be disposed of within your property boundary. 


We will ensure your On-Site Soil Evaluation complies with Australian standards AS/NZS 1547:2012 & Plumbing Codes determined by the type of Effluent Disposal System you require. This is derived from the permeability test that will be carried out during the site visit and the Soil Category on your Property. Many other factors affect the type of system that will suit your property or project; Country-Wide Water will fully design this. 


We have a wide range of options available to suit your needs, and our team will work with you to find the best solution for your property or project.

Onsite Wastewater Management Systems have Two Stages

1. Treatment of the influent (raw sewerage) to a suitable standard.

2. Application of the treated effluent to a land area on your property.

Types of treatment systems

1. Septic Tanks

2. Aerated wastewater treatment systems ( AWTS )

3. Biological filter systems

4. Composting toilets ( dry and wet )

Standard of Sewerage Treatment

Primary: minimal treatment involving flotation and settlement to separate solids and liquids and disposal of the clarified but still contaminated effluent (such as septic tanks and composting toilets)


Secondary - more advanced treatment using air and biological processes to decompose the solids and chlorine to disinfect the liquid to a standard safe for irrigation (such as aerated wastewater treatment systems).


Secondary Advanced - highly advanced systems that use air and biological processes as well as membranes and disinfection to treat wastewater to a very high standard (such as membrane filtration and advanced aerated wastewater treatment systems).

Land Application Area

Effluent applied to a land area may be utilised (through irrigation) or disposed of (through soil absorption), depending on the type and level of treatment and effluent application system used. Soil absorption systems do not require highly treated effluent, and wastewater treated in septic tanks and composting toilets can be disposed of in this way. Only water from aerated wastewater treatment systems (including advanced systems with membrane filtration) may be used for surface or subsurface irrigation. At the same time, the effluent treated by biological filters may be applied by subsurface irrigation.

The most common types of onsite effluent application systems are: 

1. Surface irrigation

2. Subsurface irrigation

3. Absorption trenches and beds

4. Mound systems

5. Evapotranspiration absorption beds

6. Sewerage holding tanks or commonly known as ‘pump out tanks.’

Land Application Systems

Land Application Systems Performance Criteria: A land application system must be designed, constructed, installed, and maintained in such a manner as to:


  • Complete the treatment, uptake, and absorption of the final effluent within the boundaries of the approved application area
  • Avoid the likelihood of the creation of unpleasant odours or the accumulation of offensive matter
  • Avoid the possibility of the ingress of effluent, foul air or gases entering buildings
  • Avoid the likelihood of stormwater run-off entering the system
  • Avoid the possibility of root penetration or ingress of groundwater entering the system
  • Protect against internal contamination
  • Provide adequate access for maintenance
  • Incorporate adequate provisions for effective cleaning
  • Avoid the likelihood of unintended or uncontrolled discharge
  • avoid the possibility of blockage and leakage
  • Avoid the likelihood of damage from superimposed loads or ground movement
  • provide ventilation to prevent the possibility of foul air and gases accumulating in the system
  • Minimise nuisance, for example, noise to the occupants of neighbouring properties
  • Ensure that the installation throughout its design life will continue to satisfy the requirements of items of the Queensland Plumbing and Wastewater Code.

Dispose of Your Wastewater Effectively & Sustainably 

Country-Wide Water has a wide range of options available to suit your needs, and our team will work with you to find the best solution for your property or project. Give us a call today!

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