septic tank

Faulty septic tanks in Waitara were to blame for human faecal matter into the Waitara River, a regional council report has revealed.

Bacteriological results of council testing for the 2011-2012 summer period showed there was intermittent faecal contamination of Waitara beaches during conditions when the Waitara River was low.

The testing was part of the monitoring programme for the New Plymouth District Council Waitara Marine Outfall, which discharges 1250m offshore treated sewage waste water, along with wastewaters from Methanex plants in Waitara and Motunui.

Director of environmental quality Gary Bedford said the low-tide conditions in which the testing was done indicated the contamination did not come from the outfall.

"It was an indication some of the septic tanks in the lower Waitara urban area are not the best.



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Septic systems are used when sewage treatment plants are not accessible. They safely treat and dispose of waste waters produced in the bathroom, kitchen , and laundry. These waste waters may contain disease -causing germs and pollutants that must be treated to protect human health and the environment. Although septic systems are usually a permanent solution to wastewater treatment and disposal, they sometimes serve as a temporary solution until sewer lines are installed.