Onsite Wastewater Management System (Septic Tank)

View or download the following guides to better understand your Onsite Water Managements Systems (OWMS):

• Wastewater Treatment Plant Guide
• Septic Tank System Guide

Step 1

Call the City of Ballarat on 5320 5500 and ask for our Statutory Planning team to determine if you need a planning permit for your development. If required, a planning permit must be obtained before an Onsite Wastewater Management System (septic tank) permit can be issued.

Step 2

Contact Central Highlands Water to determine if your property is situated within the declared sewerage district.

• Central Highlands Water is a referral agency for all properties located within their sewerage district.
• They will determine if you should consult with council regarding an onsite wastewater management system for your property.

Step 3

Collect the following information to be submitted with your application:

• Land Capability Assessment (LCA):
  An LCA will need to be submitted as part of the application. Without an LCA it is impossible to determine the capability of the land to sustain an onsite wastewater management system. An LCA for your property may have already been undertaken when the property was sub-divided and you may be able to access this report.
   
• Locality Plan:
  Your locality plan needs to include:
  i. Clearly identifying the location of the property including the street or lot number
  ii. The location and names of other streets and laneways in the immediate area
   
• Site Plan:
  Your site plan needs to include:
  i. Identifying the proposed location of dwellings including sheds, driveways, stock areas, tennis courts, swimming pools or any other structure intended to be constructed on the land
  ii. Identify the area you intend to install the Onsite Wastewater Management System (Septic Tank)
   
• A house/building floor plan:
  i. Your plan needs to clearly identify all bedrooms and studies.
  ii. Be on a scale of no less than 1:100
   
• Title:
  i. A copy of the land title is required to determine if there are any encumbrances on the land

Step 4

Application for a Permit to Install or Alter an Onsite Wastewater Management System (Septic Tank)

Step 5

Submit the application (including all documentation) and make payment of the prescribed fee. The correct fee can be obtained by contacting Councils  Environmental Health Unit.

Visit EPA Septic Tank.