Wastewater is the liquid which drains from showers, sinks, washing machines, baths, toilets, and industrial premises. Wastewater is 99.9 percent water and contains less than 0.1 percent other materials.

Wastewater is transported through a network of pipes to oxidation ponds for treatment. The system includes screen and grit traps before the primary pond, supplementary aeration and maturation cells. The treated effluent is discharged appropriately.

Preventing Sewerage Overflows

Rainwater is not permitted to enter the sewerage system. 

Why stop stormwater going to sewer?

Stormwater that enters the sewerage system can overload the treatment system and can cause sewerage to overflow.

How is stormwater entering the sewer?

A gully trap via roof downpipes and ponded stormwater is the most common point where stormwater enters the sewerage system.

What is a gully trap?

Gully traps are usually located outside bathrooms, kitchens and laundries. The purpose of gully traps is to collect wastewater from these utilities and discharge it into the sewerage system. Rainwater from roofs and section run-off should not enter the sewerage system.

The top surface of any gully trap with a raised lip should be at least 25 mm above the ground on paved areas and at least 100 mm above the ground in unpaved areas.

Trade Waste

Trade Waste is defined as any liquid, with or without matter in suspension or solution, that is, or may be discharged from a trade premise to the Council sewerage system in the course of any trade or industrial process or operation; and may include condensing water, surface water, or domestic sewage. 

Trade Waste and the consent for disposal to the town sewerage system is covered in General Bylaw Part 10: Trade Waste (2010)