About Community Wastewater Management Systems
A CWMS is a system that collects wastewater from homes and businesses and transfers it to a centralised location where it is treated for safe reuse. Properties that do not have access to CWMS (or SA Water sewer) must treat and dispose all wastewater onsite by approved methods.
Treated wastewater is reused for irrigation of racecourses, and local turf farms, ovals, and agriculture helping to reduce reliance on mains water, ground water and River Murray water.
Benefits relate to sustainability and include protection of public health and the environment as well as water conservation.
The CWMS networks in Alexandrina Council are all owned and operated by Alexandrina Council. SA Water also owns and operates a reticulated sewer system that services a small area in Chiton, (Hayborough).
We have three types of CWMS systems in Alexandrina: gravity sewer, vacuum sewer systems and STEDSs (Septic Tank Effluent Disposal Schemes). Wastewater must pass through a septic tank at properties connected to a STEDS network.
The table below shows CWMS systems by suburb. Notice that some suburbs have more than one type of CWMS system.
| Township | STEDS | Sewer – gravity | Sewer – vacuum |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hindmarsh Island | X | ✓ (north of Randell Rd) | ✓ (south of Randell Rd) |
| Goolwa | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Port Elliot | ✓ | X | X |
| Strathalbyn | ✓ | ✓ | X |
| Milang | ✓ | X | X |
| Mount Compass | X | ✓ | X |
We do not have a public GIS mapping system available for the council-owned CWMS network yet. If you’d like information about a specific location, please email cwms@alexandrina.sa.gov.au.
Maps of SA Water’s sewer networks can be found here.
To help us respond more efficiently, be sure to include the exact address in your query. The Alexandrina Wastewater Team will get back to you as soon as possible or within two weeks.
Connecting to the CWMS Network
Yes. This requirement relates to sustainable protection of public health and the environment, and Council has regulatory powers to require you to connect to CWMS.
Example: a vacant parcel of land or changing from an on-site system to the CWMS network?
- As a first step, it is recommended that you contact the Alexandrina Wastewater Team. The team can provide indicative locations of existing CWMS infrastructure and guidance on how you can determine whether a connection to the scheme may be achievable. Enquiries can be made via cwms@alexandrina.sa.gov.au
Existing vacant allotments or properties changing from an on‑site wastewater system:
If you are connecting a vacant residential allotment or replacing an existing on‑site system (for example, a failing system), you will need to complete the Connect a Residential Allotment to CWMS application form.
- New commercial developments or land divisions:
Applications must be submitted as part of the development approval process via the PlanSA Portal and/or in consultation with Alexandrina Council’s Planning Department. Applications lodged through PlanSA are referred internally to the Alexandrina Wastewater Team for assessment.
If your property already has a CWMS connection point:
You will need to apply for approval to undertake the wastewater works which will be connected to the existing connection point. Do this by submitting a completed Wastewater Works application form together with site plan to alex@alexandrina.sa.gov.au
Visit the On-site management systems webpage for more information about applying to undertake wastewater works.
Documentation requirements for new CWMS connections are determined through the Development Assessment (DA) process in accordance with South Australian planning legislation and the PlanSA framework.
Generally, applicants will be required to submit detailed, surveyed plans (in AHD) prepared by a licensed surveyor or plumber. These plans should show the location and depth of the existing CWMS network, proposed connection points, depth and length of pipework proposed, and all relevant development application details.
Additional supporting information may be requested where required to enable assessment. Commercial developments and larger land divisions typically require more detailed documentation. For CWMS‑specific advice, please contact cwms@alexandrina.sa.gov.au
Approval timeframes vary depending on the complexity of the application and whether all required information is provided upfront. Delays may occur if supporting documentation is incomplete or submitted later in the process.
Fees and Charges
Yes. For CWMS connection, costs to you will or may include a connection fee(s), application fees, installation and material costs from your own licensed plumber, and ongoing maintenance/ service fees that appear on your rates notice. Fees are also associated with ‘application to undertake wastewater works. Visit the Fees and Charges webpage for more information.
Looking after the CWMS Network
Whether or not there is a septic tank on your property, only the 3 Ps (pee, poo and paper) are permitted in the CWMS network , and unless you have a formal trade waste agreement in place with Alexandrina Wastewater, it is illegal to discharge anything else into the network. It’s also illegal to discharge wastewater to CWMS under pressure (i.e. with a pump) unless you have approval from Council to do so.
Property owners are responsible for maintaining all private plumbing on their property, including septic tanks where applicable, up to the CWMS connection point. While Council provides a scheduled de‑sludging program for septic tanks connected to the CWMS, ongoing maintenance of private infrastructure remains the owner’s responsibility.
Any Council owned CWMS infrastructure located on or through a property is maintained by Alexandrina Wastewater as part of the broader CWMS network and wastewater treatment facilities. This includes the need for Council to have safe, unrestricted access to the CWMS infrastructure at all times, including 24/7 access for maintenance and emergency response, even where no formal easement exists on the property owned CWMS infrastructure located on or through a property is maintained by Alexandrina Wastewater as part of the broader CWMS network and wastewater treatment facilities. This includes the need for Council to have safe, unrestricted access to the CWMS infrastructure at all times, including 24/7 access for maintenance and emergency response, even where no formal easement exists on the property
- Locate the CWMS inspection point (IP) near your property boundary and carefully remove the cover.
- Check the water flow by turning on a tap inside your house.
No water flowing through the IP:
This usually indicates a blockage within your property. You will need to contact and arrange (and pay for) a licensed plumber to clear the blockage.
IP full of water:
This usually indicates a blockage in Council owned CWMS network. Contact Alexandrina Council to arrange an assessment.
📞 24/7 contact (including after hours): 08 8555 7000
Due to the age of some CWMS infrastructure, not all council owned drains are recorded on Certificates of Title. However, these assets are protected under the Water Industry Act. In most cases, you should treat the CWMS drain as if an easement exists, including allowing access for inspection, maintenance, and emergency works.
Read the easement factsheet here
For more specific advice about your property, please contact Council’s CWMS Coordinator on 8555 7000.
Yes, but choose your plants carefully. Some plants, especially trees, have extensive root systems that can infiltrate and damage the pipes buried underneath. Tree roots seek out moisture and nutrients found in drainage and sewerage pipes, which can lead to costly repairs. However, many plants can be safely planted on or near an easement without impacting the drainage system. Generally, groundcovers, climbers, grasses, and small shrubs are safe choices as they do not have deep root systems that can harm pipes.