Managing waste water on a small island
Being a small, populated island, Lord Howe Island uses on-site wastewater management systems to dispose of wastewater from residences, lodges, school, hospital, and commercial buildings.
There are approximately 230 wastewater systems on the Island and in 2013 approximately 160 of these systems were septic tanks. There are composting toilets at several public areas including Ned’s Beach, the playground and Old Settlement Beach.
Lord Howe Island Wastewater Strategy
Over recent years the LHIB has been reviewing the Island’s wastewater strategy to address groundwater contamination and public health concerns over possible contact with treated effluent.
In September 2012 the LHIB approved a Wastewater Strategy based around on-site treatment and disposal. All wastewater systems on the Island will be required to demonstrate that they meet the requirements of this Strategy. The Strategy has been revised to keep up with environmental planning and legislation changes.
The LHIB has developed some site Design Guidelines to assist leaseholders with the upgrade of their systems.
Download the Wastewater Strategy and guidelines
- On-site Wastewater Management Strategy 2015 (PDF)(1.26 MB)
- On-site Wastewater Management Strategy Design Guidelines (PDF)(834.01 KB)