Wastewater disposal a significant environmental issue on the Mornington Peninsula.
Wastewater is any water that has been negatively affected in quality by human activity. This can be derived from domestic, industrial, commercial or agricultural activities, surface runoff or stormwater and sewerage.
Where there is no sewer available, households must install and maintain their own treatment systems.
The Shire has the highest number of septic systems of any Victorian council, leaving over 25,000 properties across the Peninsula without reticulated sewerage, relying on septic tank systems to dispose of their wastewater.
Many of these systems were approved decades ago and are discharging bacteria and other contaminants into groundwater and waterways.
It is really important to ensure the health of your septic tanks system all year round.
A poorly kept septic system is a health risk to your family, friends, our waterways and the wider community. This also applies to wastewater systems at commercial premises which also contribute to contaminating local waterways.
The Shire encourages an annual health check on your septic system, particularly before busy holiday periods, as a leaking system poses health risks that many of us are not aware of.
Seasonal attention to the care and maintenance of your septic system can prevent environmental problems and save on costly repairs and early replacement.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Councillor Sam Hearn said “we want to work with our community to help manage and maintain systems together, to protect and ensure the distinctive and beautiful character of the Peninsula”.
“As part of this, we recently adopted our Wastewater Management Plan 2018-2023 to address the environmental and public health risks posed by residential and commercial wastewater on the Peninsula”.
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