Black and grey water management
The Code of practice for vessel and facility management (marine and inland waters) contains the mandatory requirements for vessel operators managing black and grey wastewater whilst travelling in state waters.
Definitions
- blackwater is any waste from toilets or urinals
- greywater is wastewater that has been used for washing, laundering, bathing or showering
- wastewater includes both blackwater and greywater.
The EPA is satisfied that reasonable and practical opportunities exist for vessel operators to provide on-board wastewater management systems suitable for the vessel and its operational requirements in either marine or inland waters. This will reduce the environmental and public health risks associated with discharging vessel wastewaters into South Australia’s aquatic environments.
There is evidence that our aquatic environments are declining in water quality and while this is attributed to pollutants from a number of sources, namely effluent discharges from sewage treatment works, industrial wastewater, farming practices and urban stormwater runoff, there are increasing calls for all contributors to accept responsibility and reduce their environmental impacts for reasons of future sustainability.
One small recreational vessel can cause significant harm through the release of its wastewater, especially in sensitive aquatic areas. Recent closures of marine shellfish collection and farming areas due to the presence of faecal contamination have impacted significantly on the fishing industry itself and the wider community. Increasing numbers of houseboats with ensuites, spas, dishwashers and washing machines moored alongside one another on the River Murray can pose health risks, both to those on board and other recreational river users through the discharge of greywater.
Requirements
The requirements are set out in the Code of practice for vessel and facility management (marine and inland waters). This code is linked to the Environment Protection (Water Quality) Policy 2015. It contains compulsory requirements that operators must follow when managing blackwater (toilet waste) and greywater (wastewater that has been used in the kitchen, showers, sinks and laundry) on your vessel.
The code also lists recommended practices which inland waters vessel operators should adopt to better manage greywater onboard.
Greywater
Greywater is the wastewater from sinks, dishwashers, showers, hand basins, baths and washing machines, and contains fats, oils, harmful chemicals, bleaches and germs that affect human health. Untreated greywater can have impacts on water quality and public health through high bacterial loads, nutrient discharge, biological oxygen demand and salinity impacts. If left untreated, greywater can turn septic in less than 24 hours.
Greywater discharge from vessels is a comparatively low contributor to overall water quality in the aquatic environment but is still an important source of pollution in localised areas that can and should be avoided. The number of vessels that provide luxury facilities with large greywater output such as ensuite bathrooms, dishwashers, washing machines and even spa baths are on the increase.
The greywater produced from these sources can be harmful to the receiving aquatic environment especially in marinas, mooring locations and sheltered bays where the increasing number of overnight vessels produce a higher concentration of wastewater. It is of most concern when released nearshore in estuaries, bays, rivers and marinas.
Greywater discharge plumes may remain on the surface of aquatic environments and accumulate pollutants (particularly nutrients) around the vessel from which it is sourced or adjacent vessels. Excessive nutrients contribute to the growth of algae, which is known to cause problems for vessel operators, particularly within marina basins.
For example, water extracted from the River Murray is often only filtered for use in the kitchen sink; in many cases the water used for washing, showers and spas is taken directly from the River Murray and may contain pathogens and other pollutants released by an adjacent vessel, or even one’s own.
In summary, the Code of practice for vessel and facility management (marine and inland waters) requires that vessel operators make an assessment of their vessel and the way in which they intend to operate it and undertake the most reasonable and practical measures outlined to manage greywater.
For many operators, this will mean making use of structural devices on board, such as fixed, fitted holding tanks and/or the introduction of treatment systems or simpler filtration components. For others, it could mean choosing to discontinue the use of onboard washing machines or dishwashers when in sensitive areas, not using phosphate detergents or maintaining their current behavioural practices of minimising the use of cooking oils and being vigilant in separating food stuffs from washing up water.
Marine waters requirements (greywater)
Vessel operators can only release untreated greywater into marine waters provided the vessel:
- is greater than 1 nm (nautical mile) from the nearest land or people in the water
- is greater than 3 nm from the nearest aquaculture lease
- does not contain formaldehyde-based chemical treatments or visible solids.
If a vessel operator chooses to discharge within 1 nm from the nearest land they must follow one of the following greywater management options.
Treat all greywater to AS 4995 using a properly maintained and approved greywater treatment system as follows:
- no restriction to discharge, unless permanently moored or occupied within harbor, marina or canal – in the latter cases, no discharge is allowed
- operators undergo behaviour changes (eg use of environmentally friendly detergents).
OR
Partition greywater into 2 waste streams and manage as follows:
- containment of galley greywater in a holding tank and implement treatment (filter and disinfect) of the other greywater producing facilities (eg bathroom and laundry) before discharge to the environment without further restrictions
- no restriction to discharge, unless permanently moored or occupied within harbor, marina or canal – in the latter cases, no discharge is allowed
- undergo behaviour changes (eg use of environmentally friendly detergents)
- for non-galley greywater treatment requirements, adhere to Appendix 5 of the Code of practice for vessel and facility management (marine and inland waters).
OR
Vessels with structural limitations (ie unable to support containment tanks or treatment units) to be managed as follows:
- install an in-line strainer for all greywater to pass through
- install a grease trap for galley water to pass through
- no discharge is allowed if permanently moored or occupied within harbour, marina or canal
- no discharge is allowed within 50 m of people in the water
- no discharge is allowed within 3 nm from an aquaculture lease
- any discharge must not have visible solids present on or near the water’s surface
- operators undergo relevant behaviour changes (eg use of environmentally friendly detergents).
Note: Vessels with structural limitations need to be assessed by the EPA or an EPA-accredited inspector.
Inland waters requirements (greywater)
All vessels operating on inland waters are required to adhere to one of the following greywater management options.
Not permit greywater to enter into any inland waters by:
- containing greywater on board the vessel for disposal into land-based wastewater collection system
- ensuring that the vessel’s fixed greywater holding tank meets the requirements outlined in Appendices 3 and 4 of the Code of practice for vessel and facility management (marine and inland waters)
- not using formaldehyde-based chemical treatments as a sanitising agent for greywater tanks.
OR
Treat all greywater to AS 4995 using a properly maintained and approved greywater treatment system:
- no restriction to discharge, unless permanently moored or occupied within harbour, marina or canal
- undergo behaviour changes (eg use of environmentally friendly detergents).
OR
Partition greywater into 2 waste streams and manage as follows:
- containment of galley greywater in a holding tank and implement treatment (filter and disinfect) of the other greywater producing facilities (eg bathroom and laundry) before discharge to the environment
- no restriction to discharge, unless permanently moored or occupied within harbour, marina or canal – in the latter cases, no discharge is allowed
- undergo behaviour changes (eg use of environmentally friendly detergents)
- adhere to Appendix 5 of the code for non-galley greywater treatment requirements.
OR
Vessels with structural limitations (ie unable to support containment tanks or treatment units):
- install an in-line strainer for all greywater
- install a grease trap for galley water
- no discharge is allowed if permanently moored or occupied within harbor, marina or canal
- no discharge is allowed within 50 m of people in the water
- any discharge must not have visible solids present on or near the water’s surface and operators undergo relevant behaviour changes (eg use of environmentally friendly detergents).
Note: Vessels with structural limitations need to be assessed by the EPA or an EPA-accredited inspector.
Blackwater
Blackwater discharge or sewage is different from blackwater which is a natural phenomenon and while it may look and smell unpleasant, it is non-toxic and poses no direct public health risk.
Blackwater discharge is any waste from toilets or urinals. It is defined either as treated or untreated (raw), and contains disease-causing bacteria and viruses that can result in human illness from direct contact, or by consumption of affected fish and shellfish. It contributes to nutrient build-up in ecosystems that result in changes to habitat and the proliferation of nuisance pest species.
Blackwater (sewage) discharged from vessels is more concentrated than domestic blackwater. Although discharged in relatively small amounts, it is an important source of pollution that can and should be avoided.
The amount of bacterial pollution from one weekend boater’s discharge of untreated sewage is equal to the amount from the treated sewage of 10,000 people during the same time period.
Marine waters requirements (blackwater)
It may be assumed that small amounts of blackwater discharged into marine waters while a vessel is travelling pose few risks. While sewage does eventually break down in sea water, the extent to which this occurs depends on a number of factors. These include water circulation, tides, wave action, salinity, the temperature of the water, and topography of the receiving environment (including built structures such as marinas).
When vessels travel near shore, the risk of blackwater discharges being close to swimming beaches, shellfish gathering areas, aquaculture leases, marine parks, fishing grounds, estuaries, reefs and other areas of ecological significance is increased. In these areas, sewage from vessels raises significant environmental and public health risks.
Viruses and protozoa can survive in the marine environment longer than 24 days. Indicator organisms such as Enterococci survive between 2 hours and 2 days depending on temperature and sunlight.
Blackwater requirements
To manage these risks, the Code of practice for vessel and facility management (marine and inland waters) requires all vessel operators to avoid discharging blackwater into state waters, and particularly for those areas of most ecological, social and economic significance.
Ideally, blackwater should be retained and disposed of to a land-based treated effluent reuse scheme. This means managing blackwater rather than just getting rid of it in the easiest way possible.
It is expected that vessel operators will consider the way in which they use their vessel and choose an appropriate strategy to avoid or manage blackwater discharges. This may involve fixed holding tanks, portable retainment devices such as ‘porta-potties’, vacuum cartridges, flexible bladders and onboard treatment systems, or other technologies such as composting. It may also be through the planning of voyages to make use of land-based ablution facilities.
Marine waters vessel operators can only release blackwater into marine waters if:
- the vessel is underway on marine waters
- the vessel is at least 3 nm (nautical miles) from land (see map on Appendix 1), an aquaculture lease (eg tuna, oyster or mussel farms) or any people in the water
- the blackwater has been macerated into a fine slurry. Note that pump valves on hand or electric pumps on a marine head are not considered to be suitable means of macerating blackwater.
Operators must not use formaldehyde-based chemical treatments as a sanitising agent for toilets.
The code also lists recommended practices which marine waters vessel operators should adopt to better manage blackwater onboard. For vessels that through their operation by users will not generate blackwater, there are no requirements.
Inland waters requirements (blackwater)
Inland waters vessel operators have demonstrated responsibility in avoiding blackwater discharges, with zero discharge of blackwater on inland waters since the introduction of regulations in 1976.
The Code of practice for vessel and facility management (marine and inland waters) states inland waters vessel operators must (required outcomes):
- not permit blackwater to enter any inland (fresh) waters
- ensure that the vessel’s fixed fitted toilet and fixed blackwater holding tank meet the requirements outlined in Appendices 3 and 4
- not use formaldehyde-based chemical treatments as a sanitising agent for toilets
- retain blackwater on board the vessel for disposal into land-based wastewater collection facility connected to treated effluent reuse scheme
- Provide, upon request from the EPA, proof for all vessel wastewater discharges to land-based waste management systems, including receipts for pump truck discharges.
The code also lists recommended practices which marine waters vessel operators should adopt to better manage blackwater onboard. For vessels that through their operation by users will not generate blackwater, there are no requirements.
Revised code of practice
In February 2019 the Code of practice for vessel and facility management (marine and inland waters) was updated to reflect changes to legislation in the Environment Protection Policy (Water Quality) 2015, regulations for ballast water management, and various updated EPA guidelines.
Following from months of trialing, assessment and consultation with the Boating Industry Association regarding and alternative method for the treatment of greywater for vessels, the EPA and industry have been able to work together and initiate an alternative, cost effective and sustainable solution for greywater management to alleviate any outstanding compliance concerns from the Industry.
This alternative method involves splitting greywater into two manageable streams, one from the galley (higher risk) and one from any other greywater producing facility, eg vanity, shower, laundry tub (lower risk). This alternative approach has also been included in the code.
Implementation and enforcement
The Code of practice for vessel and facility management (marine and inland waters) was initially released in 2008, and since that time the EPA has implemented the greywater requirements through public awareness and education campaigns, voluntary and regulatory compliance, and enforcement strategies to ensure that the timeframes developed in the code are met.
All vessels are subject to random audits for compliance and may be subject to enforcement where compliance is not being met. Vessel operators who are experiencing difficulties with achieving compliance should notify the EPA in writing (email) as soon as is reasonably practical, by clearly outlining the circumstances that will result in the non-compliance.
Mandatory provisions within the code may be enforced against vessel owners and operators in the following ways:
- by issuing an environment protection order (EPO) to gain compliance with the policy
- by issuing an expiation notice (on-the-spot fine) of $360 for a breach of a mandatory provision
- by issuing an EPO as well as an on-the-spot fine for a breach of a mandatory provision
- by issuing an on-the-spot fine for failing to comply with an EPO, or
- by prosecution through the court (maximum penalty $30,000).
Officers from the EPA, local councils and other government agencies are authorised to enforce the Environment Protection (Water Quality) Policy 2015.
Wastewater compliance inspectors
The EPA has recognised a number of vessel facilities and marine surveyors to:
- determine whether containment or treatment will be structurally impossible on board a vessel
- advise as to the modifications required to comply with the code of practice
- inspect vessels for greywater and blackwater compliance.
Accredited facilities and surveyors – recreational
Name | Contact |
---|---|
Mannum Marine (Greenings Landing) | (08) 8569 1609 |
The Marina Hindmarsh Island | (08) 8555 7300 |
Long Island Marina | (08) 8532 6900 |
Bill La Vars (independent marine surveyor) | 0408 688 006 |
Bill Leonard (independent surveyor) | 0400 824 816 or (08) 8532 1304 |
Leo Vette (independent surveyor) | 0428 330 405 |
Mike Tweedie | 0437 103 239 |
Michael Sierp | 0437 103 239 |
Glenn Whybro | 0427 604 153 |
Damian Turner | 0428 563 494 |
Ian Anthon | 0409 691 368 |
Ragupathi Ratnathurai | 0416 845 094 |
Nadarajah Ganesan | 0417 860 178 |
Sajeer Vattam Kandathil | 0478 597 144 |
Accredited surveyors for commercial vessls
The revised code also stipulates that commercial vessels must be inspected for wastewater infrastructure compliance by an EPA accredited inspector every five years.
The following AMSA accredited marine surveyors have been given EPA accreditation to undertake wastewater inspections for commercial (and private) vessels on behalf of the EPA:
Name | Contact |
---|---|
Bill La Vars | 0408 688 006 |
Mike Tweedie | 0437 103 239 |
Michael Sierp | 0434 078 851 |
Glenn Whybro | 0427 604 415 |
Damian Turner | 0428 563 494 |
Ian Anthon | 0409 691 368 |
Ragupathi Ratnathurai | 0416 845 094 |
Nadarajah Ganesan | 0417 860 178 |
Sajeer Vattam Kandathil | 0478 597 144 |
Vessels can now be inspected for commercial survey and wastewater at the same time, by the same inspector, thus streamlining the compliance process.
The inspectors will need to be engaged on a fee for service arrangement as an addition to the marine survey.
Environmentally friendly practices
All vessel owners should be mindful of what goes down their drains and adopt environmentally friendly practices.
Dispose of kitchen waste responsibly
Clear food scraps, oils and fats from dirty dishes before washing to prevent from entering drains. Kitchen waste should be collected and kept on board the vessel for later disposal at a land based facility.
The River Murray Boat Owners Association has produced calculators (blackwater and greywater) to help river users to understand the volume of greywater produced by their vessel.
Simple ways to reduce the volume of water used on board your vessel includes:
- half filling the sink when washing dishes and taking shorter showers
- using water-efficient products (eg hot water re-circulators).
The table below shows comparisons between the average water usage of both standard and water efficient domestic appliances.
Average greywater production rate for standard domestic appliances
Type |
Average rate of flow |
Average use per cycle (L) |
Reference |
---|---|---|---|
Shower | |||
Standard | 15–25 L/min | 120 L | Australian Govt (DSEWPC) |
Water efficient | 9 L/min | 72 L | Australian Govt (DSEWPC) |
Tap | |||
Standard |
15–18 L/min |
N/A |
Australian Govt (DSEWPC) |
Water efficient |
2 L/min |
N/A |
Australian Govt (DSEWPC) |
Environmentally friendly products
Be mindful when using cleaning and toiletry products. Cleaning and toiletry products contain nitrates, phosphates and other chemicals which can have a negative impact on aquatic ecosystems in the River Murray. Phosphorus is proven to contribute to excessive algal growth in waterways, and estuaries, rivers and bays are particularly susceptible to additions of this nutrient.
The River Murray is already subject to blooms of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) that can make the water unsuitable for humans, livestock and wildlife. In-line strainers remove larger particles (ie dirt and hair) but not phosphates and other harmful chemicals. Many detergents, cleaning agents and washing powders are available to purchase which are low in nitrates and phosphates. Alternatively, look for biodegradable, pure soap or soap-based substances.
Examples of commonly available no-phosphorus products
Toothpaste |
|
---|---|
Colgate Total Advance Clean |
Colgate Total Advanced Fresh |
Colgate Total Whitening |
Colgate Total Advance Clean |
Macleans Little Teeth Kids 4-6 years |
Macleans Multi Action Original Fluoride |
Oral-B Pro-Health Fresh Mint |
|
Sunscreen (no phosphorus or phosphate listed as an active ingredient) |
|
Coles Everyday SPF 50+ |
Banana Boat Sensitive SPF 50+ |
Banana Boat Everyday SPF 30+ |
Banana Boat Sport Pump Sunscreen Sweat Resistant SPF 30+ |
Cancer Council Sport SPF 50+ |
|
Moisturiser |
|
Redwin Sorbolene Moisturiser |
Aveeno Daily Moisturising Body Lotion |
Simple Light Hydrating Moisturiser |
Vaseline Intensive Care Body Lotion Deep Restore |
Deodorant |
|
Dove Original Antiperspirant Aerosol |
Dove Invisible Dry (womens) |
Rexona Men Xtra Cool Roll On |
Adidas Antiperspirant Action (mens) |
Shampoo |
|
Garnier Fructis Normal Shampoo |
Dove Nutritive Solutions Daily Moisture |
Pantene Pro-V Daily Moisture Renewal |
Tresemme Moisture Rich |
L'oreal Elvive Smooth Intense (plus other Elvive products) |
Sukin Hydrating Shampoo |
Nature's Organics Frequent Use |
Herbal Essences Classic Replenishing |
Handwash |
|
Palmolive Antibacterial Hand Wash liquid |
Palmolive Anti-bacterial Foaming Hand Wash |
Dettol Soft on Skin Handwash liquid |
|
Body wash |
|
Palmolive Milk and Honey body wash (and other fragances) |
Radox Coconut Rush body wash |
Aveeno Active Naturals Daily Moisturising |
Johnson’s Dreamy Skin Cream Body Wash |
Laundry detergent (listed as NP on packaging). NP = No Phosphorus |
|
BioZET Attack Air Burst Technology front and top loader powder |
Cold Power Bright and white clean front and top loader powder |
Earth's Choice Ultra liquid top and front loader liquid |
Fab Fragrance tempations top and front loader powders |
Radiant Sensitive colour guard front and top loader liquid |
Surf Washing Powder Tropical Lily Front and top loader liquid and powder |
Omo Ultimate front and top loader powder |
Omo Sensitive front and top loader liquid |
Wastewater collection facilities
Marine vessels
Station |
Location |
---|---|
St Vincent Marina |
Sunset Cove Resort Complex, Second Valley (contact marina operator for conditions of use) |
North Haven Boat Ramp |
Lady Gowrie Drive, North Haven SA (available to the public. Contact the Cruising Yacht Club of South Australia for conditions of use. |
North Arm Marina |
North Arm, Port River, Port Adelaide. For use by commercial fishing vessels moored at marina only. |
Port Lincoln Marina (commercial marina) |
Does not accept saline wastewaters. Contact DTEI Marine Operations for conditions of use. Telephone contact is displayed at the wastewater collection facility. |
Inland waters vessels
Station |
Distance from river mouth (km) |
Distance between stations (km) |
---|---|---|
Lock 6 |
617 |
− |
Renmark |
566 |
51 |
Berri |
524 |
42 |
Loxton |
487 |
37 |
Lock 3 |
432 |
55 |
Waikerie |
382 |
50 |
Morgan |
319 |
63 |
Blanchetown |
275 |
44 |
Swan Reach |
246 |
29 |
Walker Flat |
209 |
37 |
Mannum |
150 |
59 |
Murray Bridge |
112 |
38 |
Goolwa |
12 |
100 |
The nearest public waste disposal stations upstream of Lock 6 are at Wentworth on the Darling River, and Dareton, Buronga and Euston in New South Wales.
Vessel operators are advised to consider the wastewater collection facilities they are most likely to use and decide their conditions of use, including vessel length and weight restrictions, nature of hose connection fittings, pump-pressures (holding tanks may collapse if too high), flushing service, capacity to manage salt and freshwater inflows and hopper/sink provision for portable toilets to ensure compatibility with their on-board wastewater management system.
For more information on government provided wastewater collection facilities along the River Murray, please contact DEW on (08) 8463 6800 or refer to River vesssel waste disposal options.