Almost 200 households in Lilydale can now switch from septic tanks to piped sewerage, saving maintenance hassles and benefiting the environment, after works were completed by Yarra Valley Water.
The project is part of the water corporation’s Community Sewerage Program, which provides households in Melbourne’s outer northern and eastern suburbs with the option to connect to a modern sewerage system, rather than relying on septic tanks.
Yarra Valley Water General Manager Asset Services Bridie Fennessy said the program benefited both the community and the environment.
“Moving properties off septic tanks and onto a sewerage system is a win-win,” she said.
“Managing septic tanks can often be a hassle. When tanks are too small or aren’t maintained, they can create unpleasant smells and can even leak waste onto other properties or into waterways.
“Connecting to sewerage is more convenient for property owners and better for the environment. While people still need to be mindful of what goes down the drain and maintain their household plumbing, sewerage offers a far cleaner and more reliable alternative to managing an aging septic system.
“We’re very pleased more people have the option to connect to sewerage now that we’ve completed the works in Lilydale.”
Residents only need to cover the cost of connecting their property. Yarra Valley Water funded the construction of the sewerage network and the connection point to each property.
Yarra Ranges Council Deputy Mayor Richard Higgins said they were pleased to see the project complete.
“As a council, we’re fully committed to ensuring our region is as clean and environmentally friendly as possible,” Cr Higgins said.
“The new sewerage network in Lilydale helps us meet this commitment; it creates an environmentally friendly way of transporting and disposing of wastewater from households in Lilydale, and makes life easier for residents switching from septic.
“It’s good news for residents and good news for the environment.”
For more information about the Lilydale Community Sewerage Program visit: yvw.com.au/lilydale-sewerage-project
Residents can also learn how to connect to the sewerage system at yvw.com.au/community-sewerage-program
