On-site sewerage facilities are used for the treatment of domestic sewage on premises in unsewered areas. This includes greywater treatment facilities. Recent changes to the Plumbers and Drainers Act 2002 has enabled the use of greywater in sewered areas.

For home owners

To install an on-site sewage treatment or greywater treatment facility (GTF) you must get approval from your local council.

There are different types of on-site sewage and GFTs. When investigating different models check that the on-site facility has been given a Chief Executive Approval or its equivalent (Type Specification or Model Approval). If the facility does not have an approval it cannot be installed in Queensland.

For manufacturers

Manufacturers of on-site sewage treatment facilities and GTFs must ensure their facilities are approved.

Approvals for on-site sewage treatment facilities and GFTs to treat:

• sewage or greywater from 20 or less equivalent persons are issued by the Department of Infrastructure and Planning.
• to treat greater than 20 equivalent persons require a license from the Environmental Protection Agency.

The Queensland Plumbing and Wastewater Code ( 304 KB) and AS1546.3:2001 (Joint Australian and New Zealand Standard), document the performance requirements and criteria used to assess on-site sewage treatment and greywater treatment facilities.