Effluent management guidelines (historical guidelines)

These historical guidelines were developed under the National Water Quality Management Strategy (NWQMS) and are available for information purposes only. Information presented in these guidelines may be outdated and may not represent currently recommended management practices. You are advised to contact your relevant jurisdictional agency for advice. There are currently no plans in place to update historical guidelines.

Australian communities generate large volumes of wastewater, with domestic water use alone producing about 70,000 litres per person per year. Wastewater also comes from industry and commerce.

Treated wastewater, known as effluent, is normally discharged into the environment, requiring proper management to protect public health and the environment.

Guidelines for effluent management in Australia can be used to:

  • create sustainable resource development extension programs
  • negotiate between regulatory authorities, local government and industry on conditions for effluent management, monitoring and reporting at the regional level.

These guidelines are part of the National Water Quality Management Strategy.

Six separate guidelines documents cover specific aspects of effluent management.

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