Environmental Sustainability

• Is the system environmentally friendly in its design and operation?
• Does it minimize pollution and operate with high energy efficiency?

Safety of Treated Effluent

• Is the recycled water safe for use in areas where children play, such as lawns and gardens?

Irrigation Flexibility

• Are there limitations on the types of irrigation systems you can use with this treatment system?

Visual Impact

• How will the system look once installed?
• Will it disrupt or detract from the natural aesthetics of your garden?

System Reliability

• Does the system consistently perform as intended over time?

Service Support

• Are qualified service agents available locally?
• What is the quality and reliability of the service they provide?

Cost Considerations

• What are the upfront and ongoing costs?
• Is the system energy efficient and cost-effective to maintain?
• How likely is it to require frequent repairs?

Lifespan and Warranty

• What is the expected lifespan of the system?
• Does the manufacturer provide a warranty or guarantee?

Track Record and Manufacturer Reputation

• Does the system have a proven history of performance?
• Is the manufacturer reputable with a reliable track record?

Installation Impact

• How large and bulky are the tanks?
• Could the installation process be disruptive to your property or garden?

Treatment Performance

• What is the quality of effluent the system produces?
• Can it maintain high treatment standards sustainability over time?

System Design and Complexity

• Is the system mechanically complex with many moving parts that could lead to breakdowns?
• Is it designed for durability and ease of maintenance?

Depending on your property's location and local regulations, it may be helpful to visit your local council to discuss any rules that could affect your installation. Before starting any installation work, you’ll need to obtain council approval. A key part of this application process is providing the results of your site and soil evaluation.

As the site and soil evaluation can require a reasonably technical analysis you may be required to consult with a geological or hydraulic engineer to aid in this process. A site and soil inspection will inform the suitability of the various options available based on certain criteria:

• Size of property - a larger property will have more treatment options available because there is less of a chance of partially treated effluent from escaping onto neighbouring properties
• Slope of land - properties on a slope may require higher levels of treatment performance
• Nature of soil - as some soils are better than others at absorbing the effluent this will also influence the type of system which is suitable
• Level of rainfall - areas which are prone to a high levels of rainfall may rule the use of systems that require absorption trenches
• Closeness of waterways or catchments - this influences the environmental sensitivity of your property and may require the installation of a system capable of removing nutrients
• Height of water table

After completing the two steps above, you should have a clearer understanding of which type of system best suits your needs. If your site requires a high level of effluent treatment, a standard septic tank may not be adequate. In such cases, installing an aerobic treatment system is likely the most effective solution to ensure consistent, high-quality performance.

As part of your council application, you’ll need to specify the treatment system you intend to install, as this must be included on the application form. If the council has already determined that your site requires an aerated treatment system, your next step will be selecting the appropriate model.

Choosing the right system is arguably the most crucial decision in this process, as it will remain part of your home for 15 years or more. However, with so many options available and limited information to guide your choice, making the right decision can be quite challenging.