Innovative wastewater system for Wheatbelt

Water Minister Terry Redman today announced work had begun to connect Hyden residents to an innovative wastewater scheme, the first of its kind in Western Australia.

  • Construction of Septic Tank Effluent Disposal (STED) system has begun in Wheatbelt town of Hyden

  • $3.6million trial will connect 132 residential lots to a central wastewater system

Water Minister Terry Redman today announced work had begun to connect Hyden residents to an innovative wastewater scheme, the first of its kind in Western Australia.

The $3.6million trial was supported by 90 per cent of the town during a community poll in 2011 and is part of the State Government's infill sewerage program.

"Hyden's STED system will take wastewater that has already been treated in household septic tanks through a pipeline system and to a disposal pond located outside of town," Mr Redman said.

"STED systems are typically used in rural towns where standard wastewater treatment schemes are uneconomical, but where the failure of household septic tanks can result in environment and health issues.

"If the trial is successful, this system will demonstrate effective wastewater disposal can be achieved at significantly reduced costs for small rural towns across the State."

This is the first time the STED system has been used in Western Australia but a similar system has been operating successfully in South Australia since 1962.

The Minister said there would be minor disruption for road users during construction but traffic management would be in place at all times.

Fact File

  • The State Government's infill sewerage program has given more than 92,000 households access to the central wastewater system

  • Connection to the Water Corporation's STED wastewater system will begin in early 2014

  • More information about the trial can be found at http://www.watercorporation.com.au

Minister's office - 6552 6700