Applied Environmental Health ~ Wastewater Management

Reclaimed Water Reuse ~ treated effluent

The reuse of reclaimed water (treated effluent) is encouraged, however the extent of treatment, the method of distribution of the reclaimed water and the reuse purpose must be assessed to prevent public health risks and adverse environmental impacts. Reuse is only allowed for non-potable (not for human consumption) purposes. The SA Reclaimed Water Guidelines provide a guide for general requirements for reuse applications.

Approval

Approval must be obtained before a reclaimed water reuse scheme is installed.

Applications for approval must be submitted to the Department's Wastewater Management Section (authorised officers of the Department of Health with the delegated authority from the Minister of Health).

An application fee applies. Contact the Wastewater Management Section for the current fee.

Refer to the fact sheet 'Reclaimed water irrigation: application guide (pdf, 62kb)' for the details required when submitting an application to the Department of Health.

Other Government Agencies 

Applicants must make sure that approval or licensing requirements of other government agencies have also been met. These approval and licensing requirements are separate from the Department's approval process.

• Development approval. For development approval requirements contact the local council and/or Development Assessment Commission - Planning SA.

• Environment Protection Agency (EPA) licensing. EPA licensing is required for some systems.  To check whether this licensing requirement applies to your proposed system, contact the EPA Operations Branch on 8204-2004. The EPA has published the South Australian Biosolids Guidelines for the safe handling, reuse or disposal of biosolids (PDF 553k) as a guide to the beneficial, safe and sustainable reuse of biosolids from wastewater:

Application form 

The application form specifies the information necessary for the approval of the collection and treatment system and for reclaimed water reuse.

Application for wastewater systems and reclaimed water reuse schemes for towns, subdivisions and communities

Approved wastewater products list | Standard Onsite Wastewater Systems | Alternative Onsite Systems | Wastewater systems for towns and other large developments | Pre-manufactured products for sale and use in installations in SA | Wastewater Management | Seminar 2006 | Seminar 2003

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