Sewage FAQs

What happens to the sewage from my home?

Council operates and maintains the transport of sewage from the property junction to the sewage treatment plant. The wastewater is then treated and either used to irrigate sporting fields or transferred to ocean outfalls.

Where does it go?

Eurobodalla Shire Council operates six sewage treatment plants.

• Most of the sewage from homes and businesses is treated at plants at Surf Beach, Tomakin, Moruya, Kianga, Bodalla and Bingi (Tuross).
• Rosedale, Guerilla Bay, Bodalla, Potato Point and Akolele have recently upgraded to a pressure sewerage system where sewage is collected on properties and then pumped to treatment plants.
• Nelligen is next in line to upgrade to the pressure sewerage system.
• A reed bed system processes the effluent from the properties in the Turlinjah township.
• The villages of Tilba, Mystery Bay, Congo, South Durras, Nelligen and Nerrigundah have on-site sewage management systems including septic tanks and biocycles.
• Rural properties manage the disposal of their own sewage via on-site sewage management systems.

How do I get a sewage system connected to my property?

Generally for urban properties, sewer junctions are already available and the property owner must engage and pay for a licensed plumber to connect the dwelling to the junction.

How much are the sewer rates?

For the 2024-25 financial year the standard residential sewer charge is $1,110 per year. Fees are adjusted annually.

The price covers the cost of transferring sewage from the property to the sewage treatment plant, treatment and reuse/disposal.

How do I know if my sewage is connected to Council's reticulated system?

The townships of Tilba, Mystery Bay, Congo, South Durras, Nelligen and Nerrigundah treat their waste on-site with sewage management systems such as septic tanks and biocycles. Some new subdivisions such as Bay Ridge Estate are connected to Council's pressure sewerage system. All other urban areas are serviced by Council's reticulated sewer system using traditional gravity fed methods or pressure sewerage systems.

My toilet is clogged and won't flush properly. What do I do?

Call a licensed plumber. Generally Council is not permitted to carry out water or sewer works on private property.

Sewage is coming out of the junction at the boundary of my property. What do I do?

Call a licensed plumber. Generally Council is not permitted to carry out water or sewer works on private property.

I have a burst pipe on or near my property. What do I do?

Phone Council on 02 4474 1000 as soon as possible. If Council staff find that the burst pipe is an internal drainage line on your property you will need to engage a plumber.

My on-site sewage management system is leaking. What do I do?

On-site sewage management systems such as septic tanks and biocycle systems are the responsibility of property owners. Visit NSW Health onsite sewage management - septic tanks for information and to access The Easy Septic Guide.

The red light on my pressure sewerage system is flashing. What do I do?

Read the instruction booklet provided by Council when your unit was installed. If you cannot find it phone Council on 02 4474 1000.