Environmental requirements for the disposal of effluent from wastewater disposal systems

Human effluent (wastewater) carries a range of contaminants, and if disposed of inappropriately, could threaten water quality in a range of environments. This paper sets out the Western Australian Department of Environmental Protection's recommendations for the use of a range of on-site wastewater disposal systems and discusses the major issues regarding on-site effluent disposal methods relevant to Western Australia, particularly near Perth, the capital city. Problems associated with the operation of conventional septic tanks on a range of soil types are discussed. The use of alternative systems which better retain nutrients is also discussed. Some unresolved issues associated with the disposal of human effluent are raised at the end.