Wastewater approval process for water industry entities

Water industry entities (WIEs) can apply to Department for Health and Wellbeing (DHW) for the following:

  • log reduction value (LRV) endorsement of wastewater barriers
  • approval for wastewater works
  • approval for recycled water supply
  • approval for recycled water use
  • approval for recycled water supply and use.

Log reduction value (LRV) endorsement

In the early concept phase of new wastewater projects, water industry entities (WIEs) should seek LRV endorsement from the Department for Health and Wellbeing (DHW) for the application of LRVs for new or upgraded wastewater treatment barriers.

LRV endorsement can also be sought for existing wastewater barriers where the application of LRVs has not been formally confirmed by DHW, or when a review is required.

LRV endorsement approval steps

To seek LRV endorsement:

  1. Use the LRV Table - Template (XLSX 291KB) to outline the treatment barriers, identify critical control points and their critical levels, assign LRVs and identify if validation is intended or required.
  2. Attend a concept meeting with DHW to present the project concept and the proposed treatment barrier LRVs.
  3. Apply for LRV endorsement using the Application to DHW for Log Reduction Value Endorsement online form, attaching the LRV table as a supporting document.

Wastewater works approval

Community Wastewater Management Systems (CWMS) require wastewater works approval from DHW to install infrastructure in a wastewater system including:

  • extensions to CWMS wastewater collection systems and recycled water supply networks, and
  • new, upgraded, or adjusted CWMS treatment barriers or storages.

To seek installation approval

  1. Develop a design report for the wastewater works installation. Refer to page 3 of the application form for the content required in the design report.
  2. Apply for installation approval using the Wastewater Works - Installation form (PDF 214KB) and attach the design report as a supporting document.

DHW will process the application and contact the applicant within 6 to 8 weeks.

Recycled water approvals

Approval can be sought for:

  • recycled water supply — Recycled water supplied from a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) to one or more third parties.
  • recycled water supply and use — Recycled water supplied from a WWTP and used on land owned and managed by the WIE.
  • recycled water use — Use of recycled water supplied from a WWTP.

The recycled water supply approval is held by WIEs, whereas the use approval is held by the landowner where recycled water is applied or by the responsible party managing the recycled water application.

How to apply for a recycled water approval

To seek a new, or vary an existing recycled water approval:

DHW will process the application and contact the applicant within 6 to 8 weeks.

Contact

For further information on the wastewater approval process contact:

Wastewater Management team
Health Protection and Regulation
Department for Health and Wellbeing
Email: healthwastewatermanagement@sa.gov.au
Phone: (08) 8226 7100.