Pressure wastewater systems

Pressure wastewater systems use individual pumps inside collection tanks installed on each property. Wastewater from the home or business is pumped from the collection tank to the pipe network in the street and then on to a treatment plant.

Priority Sewerage Program

In some areas, Sydney Water installs pressure wastewater systems. In these areas, Sydney Water owns and maintains the on-property pumping equipment for eligible residential properties and some small businesses. Owners of properties created as a result of a subdivision after scheme approval will be required to arrange the purchase and installation of the pressure wastewater equipment (collection tank, pump and control/alarm panel) in order to connect to Sydney Water's wastewater system.

• Learn more about connection requirements.

In other areas, where pressure wastewater systems operate, the property owner owns and maintains the pumping equipment.

A typical pressure wastewater connection

Pump-to-wastewater connections

These connections involve a pump that the property owner owns and maintains but in this case the wastewater is pumped from the private wastewater line into Sydney Water's gravity wastewater system or into a common effluent line. These connections are generally made where wastewater cannot be drained from a property to Sydney Water's system by gravity.

Disconnection from Sydney Water's wastewater system

You must apply (PDF - 77KB) to Sydney Water before disconnecting your wastewater connection.

Inspections

You must book an inspection for any drainage work in a pressure wastewater system area. To book an inspection or get more information about the different types of wastewater connections call NSW Fair Trading on 1300 889 099.