TRC reminds property owners to schedule sewerage facility maintenance

Published on 26 May 2026

Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) is reminding property owners with on-site sewerage facilities (OSSF) to adhere to specified service intervals and approved operating procedures. 

OSSF are self-contained systems that treat and dispose of domestic wastewater on typically rural residential properties in unsewered areas across Council. 

TRC Planning and Development portfolio spokesperson Cr Kerry Shine said property owners had a responsibility to keep their OSSF properly maintained and functioning in line with approved designs under Queensland plumbing legislation. 

Cr Shine said Queensland local governments also were required to maintain a record of all OSSFs in their region.

“Property owners must ensure all plumbing and drainage on their property is kept in good condition and operates properly,” Cr Shine said.

“If an OSSF is not operating correctly, it can create potential health risks, damage the environment and affect the property and surrounding areas.

"To minimise any potential risks, it is important that homeowners do not move hoses and sprinklers connected to the system outside the approved Land Application Area (LAA). Approved systems are issued with a designated LAA on the plumbing permit, which is where the sprinklers must remain.

“Property owners also have a responsibility to ensure tenants understand and comply with the facility’s maintenance and usage requirements.

“Regular servicing by an approved agent in line with the original plumbing approval will keep an OSSF in good condition.

“Aerated wastewater treatment plants, which comprise the majority of OSSFs, typically should be serviced every three months.

"Council does and will continue to take compliance action in relation to non-compliant OSSFs under the Plumbing and Drainage Act 2018."

For specific queries relating to treatment plants and maintenance requirements, please contact your service agent or manufacturer.

Council’s Plumbing Inspectorate team is available to provide general advice on OSSF facilities and their maintenance.

Residents can visit a Customer Service Centre, call 131 872 or check details via Council’s website, www.tr.qld.gov.au/ossf

Additional information is available at the Queensland Government Department of Housing and Public Works website