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Background

The Infill Sewerage Program is one of the biggest single capital works programs ever undertaken in Western Australia and is an investment in public health and the protection of our environment in the future.

By eliminating the use of septic tanks we remove the potential threat they pose to our groundwater, to bird and animal life and the ecosystem in general. We also protect our health and that of our children and grandchildren. This is a massive undertaking and we are working to ensure that areas of greatest risk are tackled as a priority.

The Infill Sewerage Program started in 1994 and is a State program administered by Water Corporation. The initial aim of the Program was to provide sewerage connections to as many residential areas of metropolitan Perth and country towns where the use of septic tanks represents a potential threat to public water supplies, public health, and the environment, for an investment of $800 million over a ten-year period. Initial planning identified that the funds were sufficient to complete approximately 100,000 lot connections.

In 1994, there were an estimated 150,000 septic tanks in Perth alone, with an unknown number in regional areas. The Infill Sewerage Program has since connected some 90,000 properties to sewerage systems in both Metropolitan Perth and regional centres.

The Infill Sewerage Program progressed to an investment rate of $80 million per annum and was on track to be completed in 2004. However, the Program was delayed in 2001 when funds were diverted to address critical water supply projects.  In subsequent years, the State’s need for capital caused further delays and the Program was deferred indefinitely in May 2009.

The deferral followed a rationalisation of Water Corporation’s capital budget that gave priority to new water schemes, then existing water and wastewater schemes, and finally projects affecting development, new services (such as Infill), regulatory compliance and reputation.

However, following an intensive period of public scrutiny, the deferred projects in the City of Cockburn (Spearwood) were resumed in November 2009.  The State Government then announced in the 2010 budget that the Program would recommence at a funding level of $25 million per annum for the next four years.

What is infill sewerage?

Infill sewerage is a system of pipes that takes wastewater away from domestic and some commercial properties for safe and healthy processing and disposal.

Sewerage pipes are usually placed as new land is developed and before new homes are built. The problem is that many areas in Western Australia developed between 1950 and 1975 used septic tanks and leach drains for wastewater disposal. Not all of the areas approved for service by septic tanks and leach drains were suitable for such systems.

The Infill Sewerage Program

The Infill Sewerage Program is currently installing central wastewater systems to developed but un-sewered residential properties in Perth and country cites and towns.

Before the program began in 1994, 25 per cent of Perth properties and 40 per cent of country properties were using septic tanks. In eastern states capitals the average is four per cent.

When the current Program is completed, approximately 100,000 households in Western Australia will have been given access to the central wastewater system reducing the leach drain run-off into the environment.

Why it has to be done

If you've never had any trouble with the septic tank and leach drains on your property, you may be wondering why it’s important that you should connect to the central wastewater system.

The answer is that long-term onsite disposal of septic tank effluent into the ground is often unsuitable for environmental and public health reasons.

The WA Infill Sewerage Program aims to reduce the potential for health and environmental issues by capturing and treating wastewater in a modern and safe manner. In doing so, it also supports orderly development, modernisation and renewal of residential and commercial infrastructure.

Which areas receive priority is determined by the WA Government in consultation with Water Corporation and the Department of Health, and is based primarily on public health and environmental considerations.

What will happen in your area?

Water Corporation and the contractor carrying out the work in your area will consult with you and keep you informed throughout the project.

Prior to construction starting, you will have the opportunity to comment on the preliminary design. When we are ready to start, the contractor will write to tell you when work will begin and provide you with more detailed information about what access may be needed to your property.

Installing a central wastewater system requires the excavation of large trenches in order to lay the sewerage pipes. Generally these trenches are between two and five metres deep. The largest sewer pipes are between 450 mm and 2.2 metres in diameter and these are connected to sewer reticulation pipes 150 mm to 300 mm in diameter.

As a result there may be some temporary inconvenience to access your property and possible detours to local roads. Contractors do their best to minimise noise, dust and access restrictions, but we ask for your patience and understanding while work progresses.

We appreciate many people put a lot of time and effort into their gardens. If any trees or shrubs have to be removed, they will be replaced and if lawns, driveways or paving are disturbed they will also be restored. Water Corporation will ensure that your garden is rehabilitated, as near as possible, to its original condition.

There is no cost to the landowner associated with any of the work carried out to make the wastewater connection available and there should be no disruption to water, gas, electrical or telephone services.

Getting connected

We encourage you to connect as soon as possible once the central wastewater system is completed in your area. 

This ‘sewer connection’ is the pipe connection between your house and the Water Corporation’s sewer connection point. The typical size of the pipe used is 100 mm in diameter and is made of PVC. A narrow trench, usually about a metre or so deep (depending on the slope of the property) is dug from the side of your house / building to the connection point.

Making this connection is your responsibility and the work must be carried out by a licensed plumber or drainer.

You will be required to pay sewerage rates (annual service charges) once the system is operational and we have notified you, by mail, of its availability. These rates will be charged whether or not you have connected to the system. For eligible pensioners, concessional rates are available or payments may be deferred until eligibility ceases.

You must connect within five years from the time we advise that the system is operational. The cost of connection varies depending upon depth, length and ground conditions. For a residential property, current costs usually range from $1,000 to $3,000, but this is subject to change depending on individual property requirements

We strongly recommend you get several quotes from reputable plumbers.  You can contact the Master Plumbers' Association on (08) 9471 6661 or view their website, for a list of their members.  You can also check the Yellow Pages.

Decommissioning of septic tanks and leach drains

The Department of Health requires that your old septic tank and leach drain be decommissioned after you have connected to the central wastewater system. Site circumstances vary, so you should contact the health services section of your shire, city or town to establish decommissioning requirements.

Help and advice

We want the whole process to be as smooth as possible so that there is minimum inconvenience to your property and lifestyle. All contractors are instructed to answer your questions and deal with any concerns immediately. A code of conduct governs their operations and this is designed to ensure that your interests come first. A Project Manager engaged by the Water Corporation supervises all Infill Sewerage Projects and contractors and is available to resolve any problems. 

We will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the Infill Sewerage Program on 13 13 95 or by emailing infill@watercorporation.com.au