What is wastewater?

Wastewater is the spent or used water from a community. It comes from domestic, commercial and industrial sources. The collection, treatment and disposal of wastewater is an integral part of the water cycle that maintains the balance of water in nature.

Wastewater is 99.97% water because by far the greatest volume comes from showers, baths and washing machines. The rest is dissolved and suspended matter. Wastewater also comes from industrial processes.

What is your responsibility?

Whether you’re a home owner or just renting, everyone has a responsibility to dispose of their waste so it doesn’t harm our sewerage system.

Everything that enters your kitchen sinks, toilets and drains makes its way into our wastewater system to be treated before being released safely back into the environmental, or to be recycled.

There are many everyday items that should not enter the wastewater system. Disposing of household wastes correctly not only prevents damage to the wastewater system, it also helps protect the environment.

Here are some better ways of disposing the following substances.

• Cooking oil and grease – wrap and place in the bin.
• Chemicals such as paint, cleaning products and pesticides – give to a licensed hazardous wastes contractor or contact your local council.
• Food scraps – place in bin or compost
• Newspapers and plastics – place in recycle bin
• Engine oils – take to the local garage or oil recycling centre
• Unused medicines – return to the pharmacy
• Nappies, razors, cotton buds, syringes – wrap and place in bin