iii. Septic Tank Standard
Through the inspection of newly installed and existing septic tanks it has become apparent that improvements are needed in methods of septic tank construction and installation. Some septic tanks have been found to be leaking because of poor construction and the intrusion of plant roots. Others have been installed with the inlet and outlet in the wrong location, resulting in poor treatment of sewage and drainage issues. Three-chambered tanks have also not been constructed according to Public Health specifications. After consideration of these issues, it has become necessary to adopt the Australian and New Zealand standard for septic tank construction and train septic tank manufacturers to construct septic tanks to the new standard. Installers also need to be trained to install septic tanks according to the new standard. The outcome of adopting the new standard and providing training in construction and installation is expected to be stronger septic tanks that are less likely to leak and septic tanks that are designed to provide the best treatment possible for primary treatment. For more information on the new septic tank standard, click here.
The Public Health Sewage Code currently being updated six-monthly. To obtain a copy of the most recent Public Health Sewage Code click here.
(iv) Register of Sanitary Professionals and Technicians
