Floods and septic tanks

• Do not use or flush your toilet until you know that the septic tank system and associated pipes are intact, otherwise wastewater could flow back up into the house through the toilet, shower, bath, and laundry drains.
• If you suspect your wastewater system has been physically damaged by the flood, contact a licensed plumbing practitioner to have it assessed.
• Septic tanks inundated with flood water, silt and debris should be professionally cleaned as soon as possible after the flood water has subsided. It may be necessary to pump out tanks, wells or distribution pits and slotted pipes if they are clogged with displaced solids.  Refer to your local business directory to arrange a septic tank pumping service by a licensed contractor.
• Cleaning or pumping out a flooded septic tank should be done with care as this could cause the tank to float out of the ground and damage the structure and pipes. After a septic tank is pumped out, it should be filled with water to prevent it from floating out of the ground.
• If the disposal area is waterlogged or clogged, additional water will not be absorbed into this area and will pool on the surface. Remedial measures such as pumping out the whole septic tank system may be necessary. This may need to be done several times. Saturated soil is especially susceptible to compaction, which can lead to system failure. Avoid compaction of the soil over the wastewater disposal area caused by driving or operating equipment in the area. In extreme cases the disposal area may need to be re-installed. A licensed plumbing practitioner should assess the disposal area for this potential requirement.
• For worm farm septic tank systems, composting toilets or other EPA approved systems, contact the manufacturer for specific advice on how flooding or power outages may affect these systems.
• In most situations turning off power to pumps may be necessary to prevent flooded pumps from overheating, wearing out or pumping out untreated water. In some instances, the pump may be required to be left on to prevent other types of damage – contact your service agent for advice.

Sewage contains harmful bacteria, viruses and parasites. Sewage needs to be cleaned up as soon as possible. Keep children and pets away from the area until this is done. Some appropriate clean up procedures are:

• Use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as rubber gloves, boots, and eye protection.
• Remove and discard contaminated household materials that cannot be cleaned or disinfected, such as carpet and children's soft toys.
• Clean all contaminated areas with hot water and detergent, then disinfect. Pay special attention to cooking utensils, work surfaces and other surfaces such as floors and walls.
• Dip utensils in a solution of 1.5 cups of household chlorine bleach in 10 Litres of cold water (a household bucket) for two minutes. Rinse in clean water.
• For disinfecting hard surfaces, use the same solution, leaving it wet for 10 minutes. Rinse off with clean water.
• Disinfect cleaning mops, brooms and brushes with the bleach solution.
• Clean and dry dirty footwear and wash your clothes separately after the clean-up.
• Increase ventilation inside the house.
• Throw out food containers that have been in contact with sewage, including unopened bottles.
• Attend to any cuts and wounds immediately. Disinfect the wound then cover with a waterproof dressing.
• Wash your hands and any affected parts of your body with soap and water.

For further advice, contact Council's Environmental Health Unit on (03) 5772 0333.

Onsite wastewater system:

Council's Environmental Health Officer can provide advice on remedial works, your existing permit or installation of a new system. Contact us on (03) 5772 0333.

Plumbers:

Refer to your local business telephone directory for licensed service providers.

Health information:

Contact your medical doctor regarding any health conditions that may have resulted from contaminated water supplies.