1890 Effluent Disposal Review · MCU20/0022

Aerobic Operation & Maintenance Requirements
The following sections advise on operation and maintenance to be specifically directed to the
home owner / occupier and user of an on-site domestic waste-water system.

Advice to a Home Owner / Occupier on Use of the System
For the on-site waste-water system to work well, there are some good habits to encourage
and some bad habits to avoid:


a)   In order to reduce sludge building up in the tank:

         i.    scrape all dishes to remove fats, grease, etc. before washing;
        ii.    keep all possible solids out of the system;
       iii.    don't use a garbage grinder unless the system has been specifically designed to
               carry the extra load;
       iv.     don't put sanitary napkins and other hygiene products into the system;
        v.     the baffles or valves in the distribution system should be periodically checked
               (monthly or seasonally).

b)   In order to keep the bacteria working in the tank and in the land-application area:

         i.    use biodegradable soaps;
        ii.    use a low-phosphorus detergent;
       iii.    use a low-sodium detergent in dispersive soil areas;
       iv.     use detergents in the recommended quantities;
        v.     don't use powerful bleaches, whiteners, nappy soakers, spot removers and
               disinfectants;
       vi.     don't put chemicals or paint down the drain.

c)   Conservation of water will reduce the volume of effluent requiring disposal to the land-
     application area, make it last longer and improve its performance. Conservation
     measures include:
         i.   installation of water-conservation fittings;
        ii.   taking showers instead of baths;
       iii.   only washing clothes when there is a full load;
       iv.    only using the dishwasher when there is a full load.

d)   Avoid overloading the system by spacing out water use as evenly as possible
     e.g. Do not do all washing on one day. Do not run the washing machine and dishwasher
     at the same time.

Advice on maintenance
The waste-water treatment unit will need to:

       i.     be de-sludged regularly and as advised by the manufacturer;
      ii.     be protected from vehicles;
     iii.     have any grease trap cleaned out regularly;
     iv.      have any outlet filter inspected and cleaned.