On-site wastewater systems must be approved before they can be installed or altered
An on-site wastewater application must be lodged every time you intend to construct, install, alter, extend or upgrade an on-site wastewater treatment system in accordance with the Health (Treatment of Sewage and Disposal of Effluent and Liquid Waste) Regulations 1974 (external site).This includes:
- primary treatment systems – septic tanks
- secondary treatment systems and aerated wastewater treatment systems
- wastewater treatment plants
- greywater reuse systems
- alternative wastewater treatment systems
- evaporation ponds
Any wastewater product must have approval for use in WA. Check here to make sure the product has been approved for use before lodging an application.
Approvals process
Step 1 - Complete the Application to Construct or Install an Apparatus for the Treatment of Sewage Form (PDF 687KB)
- Make sure your system has been approved for use in WA before lodging your application - check here. Only approved systems will be accepted.
- Complete sections 1-8 of the application form (PDF 687KB) in full.
- Ensure plans are according to the specifications detailed in section 7 of the application form. Hand drawn plans are not accepted.
- Ensure relevant application fees detailed in Appendix 2 of the application form are paid.
- Ensure all relevant information is submitted. Assessment of the application may not commence until all outstanding information is provided.
If you need assistance, contact your local government’s Environmental Health Officer.
Step 2 - Lodge the application form with the local government where the property is located. Refer to the local government directory (external site) for email contact details. Applications should be lodged to the Environmental Health Services within the local government for assessment and processing.
Any queries about your application should be directed to the local government.
Local government approval only (low volume / single dwelling system)
If it is intended that the proposed wastewater system will handle less than 540L/day of wastewater OR the building to be serviced is a single dwelling, the local government will process your application.
Processing times may vary depending on the local government.
Department of Health approval required in addition to local government approval (high volume systems)
If the wastewater volume generated is more than 540L/day AND the building being serviced is not a single dwelling (e.g. commercial property, mine sites, multi-dwelling site):
- the local government will assesses your application
- prepare a local government report
- forward the application and report to the Department of Health, Environmental Health Directorate Water Unit for assessment and approval or refusal.
Please note:
- The Department of Health may take between 60-90 business days to process your application. The Department has recently experienced a significant increase in wastewater applications being submitted which has resulted in longer processing times.
- Once your application has been allocated, the assigned officer will make direct contact with the applicant to provide updates or request any further information if required.
- There is no online tracking system available.
- All submissions are assessed in the order they are received. There is no process available to expedite or prioritise individual applications.
- Local government and Department of Health fees are processed separately.
Refer to commercial onsite wastewater system to support the submission of your application.
Note: It is essential that all relevant information is submitted with your application. Assessment of the application will not commence until all outstanding information is provided.
Application fee
Fees
Refer to page 10 of the application form (PDF 687KB) for the latest fees.
Local government fee
Contact your local government to make payment.
Department of Health application fee (if required)
If the system requires assessment and approval by the Department of Health an applicant will be:
- provided a reference ID number that must be used when referring to the application and paying fees
- emailed fee payment instructions within 1- 5 business days of an application being submitted by the local government to the Department of Health
Any queries about payment to the Department of Health can be emailed to ehinfo@health.wa.gov.au. Include your reference ID number in the subject heading if available.
Supporting information
Approved systems
Site and soil evaluation
Commercial systems
Ancillary dwellings (granny flats)
Calculations
Last reviewed: 08-05-2026
Produced by
Environmental Health Directorate