Wastewater

Wastewater rules

In order to discharge wastewater without a consent you will need to meet the criteria of one of the permitted activity rules.

Where a discharge of domestic wastewater doesn't meet these rules, a wastewater discharge permit will be required.

Two permitted activity rules most commonly used for domestic wastewater discharges are:

Rule 5.5.20:

• wastewater discharge is < 2000litres/day
• lot area (m2) : discharge ratio (litres/day) > 1.5
• site evaluation, treatment and disposal system design, and receiving environment separation distances in accordance with TP58 (2004)
• secondary treatment system (i.e. aerated treatment system, sand filter, textile filter) and drip irrigation disposal system
• design based on no less than 120 litres/person/day.

Rule 5.5.23:

• < 2000 litres/day
• lot Area: discharge ratio > 3.0
• site evaluation, treatment and disposal system design, and receiving environment separation distances in accordance with TP58 (2004)
• primary (e.g. septic tank) or secondary treatment system with disposal via trenches, beds, LPED, or drip irrigation
• design based on no less than 160 litres/day.

Other Permitted Activity rules include:

• rule 5.5.22 for sites without permanent power
• rule 5.5.21 for existing wastewater discharges.

Download pdf of All Permitted Activity rules:

You can use this flow chart for guidance on which rule applies and if you require a consent:

• rule 5.5.20 - wastewater discharges on small properties
• rule 5.5.21 - existing wastewater discharges
• rule 5.5.22 - wastewater discharges on properties without permanent power
• rule 5.5.23 - wastewater discharges on large properties.

Where a discharge of domestic wastewater doesn't meet these rules, a wastewater discharge permit is required.

Omaha plant