WITH more than 25,000 properties on the Mornington Peninsula relying on septic tanks to process their waste water it’s no wonder there are concerns about pollutants entering ground water and waterways.

Many of these systems were approved decades ago and are long past their use-by dates.

The mayor Cr Sam Hearn said it was important to ensure the health of septic tanks systems year round. “A poorly kept septic system is a health risk to our family, friends, waterways and the wider community,” he said.

“This also applies to wastewater systems at commercial premises which also contribute to contaminating local waterways.”

Other sources of waste water are industrial, commercial or agricultural activities, surface runoff or stormwater and sewerage.

The shire encourages annual health checks on septic systems, particularly before busy holiday periods. “We want to work with our community to help manage and maintain systems together, to protect and ensure the distinctive and beautiful character of the peninsula,” Cr Hearn said.

Visit mornpen.vic.gov.au/septictanks

First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 3 December 2019