Removing wastewater in outdoor areas

Wastewater spills need to be cleaned up as soon as possible.  Wastewater, whether sewage (combined solid and liquid waste) or effluent (liquid waste), contains organisms that can cause a risk to your health.

Following the removal of excess wastewater by a licenced waste transporter, consider what can be cleaned, and what might need to be discarded. See Wastewater incidents in and around the home for tips and recommended supplies before you begin.

Exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays will assist in destroying disease-causing organisms. 

Avoid contact with areas and items for at least 24hrs after cleaning / disinfecting.

Hard surfaces

Bricks, pavers, concrete and other hard surfaces must be washed with clean water and a chemical disinfectant.

Water used for cleaning must be disposed of onto the property land to soak away (e.g., garden bed, lawned area).  It must not be directed to the stormwater system.

Vegetated areas and plants

  • Wastewater may be neutralised by builder’s lime mixed into soil. This is not necessary in all cases, but will help to alleviate odours.
  • Clean fill soil may be spread over soil and/or grassed areas.
  • Plants may be gently watered with clean water and left untouched for 2 to 3 days

Animal beds and enclosures

Remove pets away from contaminated surfaces before cleaning.

Discard any bedding and soft toys that cannot be effectively cleaned, disinfected and dried.

Clean and disinfect food and water bowls. Remove any food that may have been contaminated by wastewater.

Clean and disinfect hard-surface enclosures, allowing to dry before returning your pets.

Sports equipment, toys and other hardware

Items must be washed with warm water and detergent, and then disinfected and allowed to dry before use. Where an item cannot be soaked in disinfectant (e.g., power tools), spray a lightly with disinfectant and then dry with a clean cloth.

Fish ponds

Wastewater will generally not harm fish.

If the volume of wastewater entering the pond is significant, remove the fish and partially replace water with dechlorinated clean water. Avoid contact with the pond for at least 2 to 3 days.

Home-grown fruit and vegetables

Fruit and vegetables that have had contact with wastewater are likely to be contaminated with disease-causing organisms. Discarding contaminated fruits and vegetables is the safest option.

Contact your local council for further advice on food safety.