What is Pressure Wastewater Collection?Pressure Wastewater Collection, PWC for short, is the latest
available technology for the efficient collection of wastewater
from your home and business and getting it to our nearest
wastewater treatment plant. It costs less overall to install and run
than conventional gravity systems. It places less pressure on the
wastewater network and enables us to connect homes to the
public Wastewater network more quickly.
How does it Work?
All wastewater generated from a property flows through a PWC
unit located on that property. Inside the unit, an automatic switch
activates a grinder pump. That pump grinds down the waste and
then delivers it to the public network located on the street and
onto the local treatment plant.
Is there a noise/odour issue?
No. Not if correctly installed. The ground surrounding the buried
PWC unit absorbs most of the noise. Some minor odours may
be noticed for a short period, particularly after a home has been
left empty for some time, but this soon dissipates with use - and
is no different from a gravity system.
Why is it better than a gravity system?
For a start, PWC is more efficient. In wet weather, conventional
gravity systems can suck in up to 10 times the amount of
storm water to wastewater on the way to the treatment plant. It
also overcomes a weakness of gravity systems—the need for
gravity to make it work. We can install PWC in virtually any
terrain, we don’t need hills. The pipes are much smaller, so
there is less intrusion on the environment when installing. This
means we can install PWC for more properties, including those
with septic tanks more quickly and easily.
What is the average annual power cost to run the PWC unit?
Based on current power unit tariffs (2009) the estimated annual
cost to operate the PWC unit is between $25 and $35 a year for
an average family household.
What does it cost to have PWC installed on a property?
To install a PWC unit costs approximately $9000. This is borne
by the property owner for existing homes and is usually included
in the purchase price for new homes. The council offers a range
of payment options for existing homes on the public network and
wastewater rates rebates to all owners connecting to the
network. To find out more about these, let us know the address
of your property and we’ll get back to you with the answers.
How do I know if I can be connected?
Not all areas have or will have PWC systems. To find out
whether you are in a PWC network area, tell us where your
property is and we’ll get back to you with the answers.
I am in a PWC network area, I have an existing home, but I don’t
want to install PWC. Do I have to?
You don’t, no. You can remain on your on-site system, provided
it is working properly. However, when you come to sell your
house you or the new owner will be encouraged to install PWC.
So, who installs it?
There are three approved installers in the district; each of these
can offer you a choice of unit. Get in touch with us and we’ll
send you contact details and other information about PWC. The
installation agreement is between you and the approved
installer, not the Council.
Is PWC proven and is it safe?
Yes and yes. The system is in wide-use throughout Australia
and the United States and is completely safe. We have also
successfully installed the system for residents of Point Wells in
north Rodney. There’s been no problem.
What are my responsibilities?
The grinder pump and the complete installation on the site is the responsibility of the property owner/occupier. All queries/problems with the grinder pump and installation should be referred to the pump supplier whose contact details are posted on the electrical control box of the grinder pump. The property owner should refer to the owners manual in the first instance.
What are the Council's responsibilities?
Council is responsible for the boundary kit installation in the Red plastic box at the property boundary and all pipe work in the public roads and some right of ways. Any leaks, odour or any other problems with the equipment should be reported to Council via the Call Centre.
Do I have a choice between gravity and pressure systems?
No, if you are in a pressure wastewater collection (PWC) area, there are no public gravity sewers.
What is the cost if I submit an application as part of a Building Consent for a new house?
The fee will be included in the application fee of the consent.
Why do I have to pay for this in my rates?
The Wastewater Utility Charge is a uniform rate per separately used or inhabited part of a rating unit to fund depreciation and interest costs related to sewerage works in the relevant area.
However, because of the on-going costs to property owners of maintaining and running (power) a PWC system, the Wastewater Utility Charge will be charged at 75% of the rate set for R & T Wastewater charges.
Where can I find out more?
Simply email us at customerservice@rodney.govt.nz for more
information or phone us toll-free on 0800 426 5169.