{"id":"south-australian-public-health-wastewater-regulations-2013","name":"South Australian Public Health (Wastewater) Regulations 2013","slug":"south-australian-public-health-wastewater-regulations-2013","collection":"regulation","jurisdiction":"sa","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":237346,"registerId":"sa-south-australian-public-health-wastewater-regulations-2013-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-06","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"South Australian Public Health (Wastewater) Regulations 2013","content":"South Australia\nSouth Australian Public Health (Wastewater) Regulations 2013\nunder the South Australian Public Health Act 2011\n\nContents\nPart 1—Preliminary\n1\tShort title\n3\tInterpretation\n4\tPrescribed codes\n5\tOn‑site wastewater systems\n6\tRelevant authority\nPart 2—Establishment of community wastewater management systems\n7\tInterpretation\n8\tPublic notification of proposed community wastewater management system\n9\tConnection to community wastewater management system\n10\tExemptions\nPart 3—Wastewater system requirements\n11\tWastewater works\n12\tOperation, maintenance and servicing of wastewater systems\n13\tReuse or disposal of wastewater from wastewater systems\n14\tSale of on‑site wastewater systems\n15\tExemptions from prescribed codes\nPart 4—Approvals\nDivision 1—Product approvals\n16\tApplication\n17\tDetermination of application\n18\tDuration of approval\n19\tConditions of approval\n20\tIdentification of manuals\n21\tRevocation of approval\n22\tRegister of product approvals\nDivision 2—Wastewater works approvals\n23\tApplication\n24\tDetermination of application\n25\tConditions of approval\n26\tExpiry of approval\n27\tRegisters of wastewater works approvals\nPart 5—Enforcement\n28\tInspections and testing\n29\tRequirement to obtain expert report\nPart 6—Miscellaneous\n30\tReuse of wastewater from SA Water sewerage infrastructure\n31\tFalse or misleading statements\n32\tAccess to codes, standards etc\nSchedule 2—Transitional provisions\nPart 2—Transitional provisions\n2\tInterpretation\n3\tModification of prescribed code\n4\tProduct approvals\n5\tWastewater works approvals\n6\tNotices under regulation 24 of revoked regulations\nLegislative history\n\nPart 1—Preliminary\n1—Short title\nThese regulations may be cited as the South Australian Public Health (Wastewater) Regulations 2013.\n3—Interpretation\n\t(1)\tIn these regulations, unless the contrary intention appears—\nAct means the South Australian Public Health Act 2011;\ncapacity of a wastewater system—see subregulation (2);\ncommunity wastewater management system means a system for the collection and management of wastewater generated in a town, regional area or other community, but does not include SA Water sewerage infrastructure;\ncontravention includes failure to comply;\nEP—see subregulation (2);\ninstallation of a wastewater system includes the commissioning of the system;\nmanagement of wastewater includes treatment, reuse and disposal of wastewater;\nmandatory notification stage—see regulation 25(2)(a)(i);\non‑site wastewater system—see regulation 5;\noperator of a wastewater system means—\n\t(a)\tin the case of an on‑site wastewater system—the owner of the premises on which the system is located;\n\t(b)\tin the case of a community wastewater management system—the council or other person responsible for the operation of the system;\nprescribed code—see regulation 4;\nprescribed expiable condition—see regulation 25(2)(a);\nprescribed fee means the fee prescribed for the purposes of the Act;\nproduct approval—see Part 4 Division 1;\nrelevant authority—see regulation 6;\nrevoked regulations means the Public and Environmental Health (Waste Control) Regulations 2010;\nSA Water means South Australian Water Corporation;\nSA Water sewerage infrastructure means sewerage infrastructure (within the meaning of the Water Industry Act 2012) owned or operated by SA Water;\nsell includes offer for sale or possess for the purpose of sale;\ntechnical specifications includes technical, scientific and engineering details, plans, drawings and specifications;\nwastewater engineer means an engineer who—\n\t(a)\tis a member of the Institution of Engineers, Australia of the category \"Chartered Professional Engineer\" or is registered on the National Professional Engineers Register administered by that Institution; and\n\t(b)\thas experience in wastewater system or geotechnical engineering;\nwastewater system means—\n\t(a)\tan on‑site wastewater system; or\n\t(b)\ta community wastewater management system;\nwastewater works means—\n\t(a)\tthe installation of a wastewater system (including a temporary system) or part of a community wastewater management system; or\n\t(b)\tthe alteration of a wastewater system involving—\n\t(i)\ta change to the capacity of the system; or\n\t(ii)\ta change in the type of system used for collecting or managing wastewater; or\n\t(c)\tthe decommissioning of a wastewater system (excluding a temporary system); or\n\t(d)\tthe connection of a wastewater system to a community wastewater management system or the disconnection of a wastewater system from a community wastewater management system; or\n\t(e)\tthe connection of a community wastewater management system to SA Water sewerage infrastructure or the disconnection of a community wastewater management system from SA Water sewerage infrastructure;\nwastewater works approval—see Part 4 Division 2.\n\t(2)\tFor the purposes of these regulations, the capacity of a wastewater system is to be determined in accordance with the prescribed codes and is expressed as a number of equivalent persons (EP) or a number of litres.\n4—Prescribed codes\n\t(1)\tThe following are prescribed codes:\n\t(a)\tin relation to an on‑site wastewater system—the On‑site Wastewater Systems Code published by the Minister, as in force from time to time, together with the standards or other documents prepared or published by a prescribed body, as in force from time to time, referred to in the code;\nNote—\nThe code is modified as set out in Schedule 2 Part 2 clause 3.\n\t(b)\tin relation to a community wastewater management system—the Community Wastewater Management Systems Code published by the Minister, as in force from time to time, together with the standards or other documents prepared or published by a prescribed body, as in force from time to time, referred to in the code.\n\t(2)\tFor the purposes of subregulation (1), the following are prescribed bodies:\n\t(a)\tStandards Australia;\n\t(b)\tNational Health and Medical Research Council;\n\t(c)\tEnvironment Protection and Heritage Council;\n\t(d)\tSA Water;\n\t(e)\tLocal Government Association of South Australia;\n\t(f)\tWater Services Association of Australia Limited;\n\t(g)\ta Minister or administrative unit of the Public Service.\n\t(3)\tFor the purposes of section 109(6)(c) of the Act, a copy of each of the prescribed codes will be available for inspection at the following address:\nPublic Health\nLevel 1\nCiti Centre\n11‑13 Hindmarsh Square\nAdelaide SA 5000.\n5—On‑site wastewater systems\n\t(1)\tFor the purposes of these regulations, an on‑site wastewater system is a system used on premises for the on‑site collection and management of wastewater generated at the premises where—\n\t(a)\tthe wastewater collected and managed is predominantly—\n\t(i)\thuman waste either alone or in combination with water; or\n\t(ii)\twater that has been used in washing, laundering, bathing or showering; or\n\t(iii)\twater containing food or beverage waste; or\n\t(iv)\twater containing other trade waste; or\n\t(v)\ta combination of the above; and\n\t(b)\tsome or all of the wastewater is reused or disposed of by means other than disposal to a community wastewater management system or to SA Water sewerage infrastructure,\nand includes any associated irrigation or other system for the disposal of the wastewater on land other than that from which the wastewater is collected.\n\t(2)\tAn on‑site wastewater system includes (but is not limited to) a septic tank, waterless composting toilet, or an aerated wastewater treatment system, to which AS/NZS 1546 applies.\n\t(3)\tAn on‑site wastewater system may, but need not, be connected to a community wastewater management system or to SA Water sewerage infrastructure.\n6—Relevant authority\n\t(1)\tThe relevant authority for a matter relating to an on‑site wastewater system with a capacity that does not, or will not, on completion of wastewater works, exceed 40 EP and that is located or to be located in a council area is—\n\t(a)\tsubject to paragraph (b)—the council; or\n\t(b)\tif the system is to be operated by the council or wastewater works related to the system are to be undertaken by the council, or by a person acting in partnership, or in conjunction, with the council—the Minister or any other council that agrees to act as the relevant authority.\n\t(2)\tThe relevant authority in any other case under these regulations is the Minister.\n\t(3)\tWithout limiting subregulation (1), a matter relating to an on‑site wastewater system of a kind referred to in that subregulation includes the following:\n\t(a)\tan application for a wastewater works approval relating to the system;\n\t(b)\tan application for an exemption relating to the system;\n\t(c)\tany variation or revocation of conditions of a wastewater works approval or exemption relating to the system;\n\t(d)\tany requirement for the provision of certificates or other documents relating to the system or wastewater works relating to the system;\n\t(e)\tany requirement for notification of the sale of land on which the system is located.\nPart 2—Establishment of community wastewater management systems\n7—Interpretation\nIn this Part—\nprescribed details, in relation to a community wastewater management system, means the following details:\n\t(a)\tdetails of the nature and type of system;\n\t(b)\ta description of any land that would be benefited by the system;\n\t(c)\tan estimate of the costs of the system;\n\t(d)\tparticulars of the manner in which the system would be financed, including the manner in which the capital and operating costs would be recovered;\n\t(e)\tdetails of any plans and specifications relating to the system that are available for public inspection.\n8—Public notification of proposed community wastewater management system\n\t(1)\tIf a council proposes to establish a community wastewater management system for the whole or part of its area in the interests of public and environmental health, the council must give notice to the owners of land in the area affected by the proposal containing the prescribed details relating to the proposal and inviting submissions in relation to the proposal within a period (which must be at least 21 days) specified in the notice.\n\t(2)\tThe council must consider any submissions made in response to the notice and may abandon the proposal or proceed with it with such modifications as it thinks fit.\n\t(3)\tIf the council resolves to proceed with the community wastewater management system, it must obtain a wastewater works approval from the Minister in accordance with these regulations.\n9—Connection to community wastewater management system\n\t(1)\tOn obtaining a wastewater works approval for a community wastewater management system, a council may, by written notice, require the operator of an on‑site wastewater system—\n\t(a)\tto connect the system to the community wastewater management system; and\n\t(b)\tfor that purpose, to complete and submit an application to the relevant authority, within the period specified in the notice, for a wastewater works approval for—\n\t(i)\tthe connection; and\n\t(ii)\tif necessary, consequential alterations to the on‑site wastewater system.\n\t(2)\tA notice under subregulation (1) must contain the prescribed details relating to the community wastewater management system (adjusted to reflect the council's resolution to proceed with the system and any conditions of the wastewater works approval for the system).\n\t(3)\tThe operator of an on‑site wastewater system must not, without reasonable excuse, fail to submit an application in accordance with a notice given to the person under subregulation (1).\nMaximum penalty: $1 250.\nExpiation fee: $160.\n\t(4)\tIf the operator of an on‑site wastewater system does not submit an application within the period specified in a notice under subregulation (1), the relevant authority may grant a wastewater works approval for the required wastewater works as if the application had been made.\n\t(5)\tIf a wastewater works approval is granted for the connection of an on‑site wastewater system to a community wastewater management system required under this regulation, the operator of the on‑site wastewater system must carry out the wastewater works in accordance with the approval.\nMaximum penalty: $5 000.\nExpiation fee: In the case of an offence comprising a contravention of a prescribed expiable condition—$315.\n\t(6)\tIf wastewater works are not carried out in accordance with a wastewater works approval for the connection of an on‑site wastewater system to a community wastewater management system required under this regulation, the relevant authority may cause the requirements to be carried out (and a person authorised to do so by the relevant authority may enter land at any reasonable time for the purposes of carrying out the relevant work).\n\t(7)\tThe relevant authority may recover as a debt the costs and expenses reasonably incurred in exercising a power under subregulation (6) and the prescribed fee that would have been payable had the application been made as required under subregulation (1) from the person who failed to comply with the notice.\n\t(8)\tA person must not, without reasonable excuse, hinder or obstruct a person carrying out work at the direction of the relevant authority under subregulation (6).\nMaximum penalty: $5 000.\n10—Exemptions\n\t(1)\tThe operator of an on‑site wastewater system may apply to the relevant council for an exemption from compliance with regulation 9.\n\t(2)\tThe Minister may issue binding directions to councils about the granting of exemptions under this regulation.\n\t(3)\tAn exemption must be given by the council by written notice and is subject to conditions stated in the notice.\n\t(4)\tAn exemption may be varied or revoked by the council by further written notice to the holder of the exemption.\n\t(5)\tA person who has been exempted from compliance with regulation 9 must not contravene a condition of the exemption.\nMaximum penalty: $5 000.\nPart 3—Wastewater system requirements\n11—Wastewater works\n\t(1)\tA person undertaking wastewater works or causing wastewater works to be undertaken must ensure that the following requirements are met:\n\t(a)\tin the case of the installation of an on‑site wastewater system, the system must be the subject of a product approval;\n\t(b)\tin any case, the works must be undertaken in accordance with—\n\t(i)\ta wastewater works approval for the works; and\n\t(ii)\tthe prescribed codes to the extent that they are applicable.\nMaximum penalty: $5 000.\nExpiation fee: In the case of an offence against paragraph (b)(i) comprising a contravention of a prescribed expiable condition—$315.\n\t(2)\tA suitably qualified person who has undertaken wastewater works subject to a wastewater works approval must, within 28 days after completing the work, provide the relevant authority, and the owner or occupier of the land on which the work was undertaken, with—\n\t(a)\ta certificate in a form approved by the Minister signed by the person or another suitably qualified person certifying that the work has been undertaken in accordance with the wastewater works approval; and\n\t(b)\tin the case of the installation of pipes, fittings or other system components or equipment—a detailed drawing showing all pipes, fittings, components or equipment installed, including their position and dimensions.\nMaximum penalty: $5 000.\nExpiation fee: $315.\n\t(3)\tIn this regulation—\nsuitably qualified person means—\n\t(a)\tthe holder of a plumbing contractors licence under section 7(1)(a) of the Plumbers, Gas Fitters and Electricians Act 1995; or\n\t(b)\tthe holder of a plumbing contractors licence under section 7(1)(d)(i) of that Act subject to conditions limiting the work that may be performed under the authority of the licence to sanitary plumbing work or draining work; or\n\t(c)\tthe holder of a plumbing workers registration under section 14(1)(a) of that Act; or\n\t(d)\tthe holder of registration as a plumbing worker under section 14(1)(d)(i) of that Act subject to conditions limiting the work that may be carried out under the authority of the registration to sanitary plumbing work or draining work.\n12—Operation, maintenance and servicing of wastewater systems\n\t(1)\tThe operator of a wastewater system must ensure that the system is operated, maintained and serviced in accordance with—\n\t(a)\tany conditions of a wastewater works approval relating to the system (whether granted before or after the person became the operator of the system); and\n\t(b)\tthe prescribed codes to the extent that they are applicable. \nMaximum penalty: $5 000.\nExpiation fee: In the case of an offence against paragraph (a) comprising a contravention of a prescribed expiable condition—$315.\n\t(2)\tA person who maintains or services a wastewater system must do so in accordance with—\n\t(a)\tany conditions of a wastewater works approval relating to the system; and\n\t(b)\tthe prescribed codes to the extent that they are applicable. \nMaximum penalty: $5 000.\nExpiation fee: In the case of an offence against paragraph (a) comprising a contravention of a prescribed expiable condition—$315.\n13—Reuse or disposal of wastewater from wastewater systems\n\t(1)\tThe operator of a wastewater system must ensure that wastewater from the system is not reused or disposed of to land or otherwise unless—\n\t(a)\tthe reuse or disposal is authorised by conditions of a wastewater works approval relating to the system (whether granted before or after the person became the operator); and\n\t(b)\tthe wastewater is reused and disposed of in accordance with—\n\t(i)\tthose conditions; and\n\t(ii)\tthe prescribed codes to the extent that they are applicable.\nMaximum penalty: $5 000.\nExpiation fee: In the case of an offence against paragraph (b)(i) comprising a contravention of a prescribed expiable condition—$315.\n\t(2)\tA person must not reuse or dispose of wastewater from a wastewater system except in accordance with—\n\t(a)\tany conditions of a wastewater works approval relating to the system; and\n\t(b)\tthe prescribed codes to the extent that they are applicable.\nMaximum penalty: $5 000.\nExpiation fee: In the case of an offence against paragraph (a) comprising a contravention of a prescribed expiable condition—$315.\n14—Sale of on‑site wastewater systems\nA person must not sell a system for use as an on‑site wastewater system unless—\n\t(a)\tthe system—\n\t(i)\tis the subject of a product approval; and\n\t(ii)\tin the case of a pre‑fabricated system, bears the marking required by the prescribed codes (either as in force at the time of the approval or as in force at the time of the sale); and\n\t(b)\tcopies of the manuals for the system referred to in the product approval (either as in force at the time of the approval or as in force at the time of the sale) are provided to the purchaser of the system.\nMaximum penalty: $5 000.\nExpiation fee: $315.\n15—Exemptions from prescribed codes\n\t(1)\tA person may apply to the relevant authority for an exemption from compliance with specified provisions of these regulations requiring compliance with the prescribed codes for a specified activity to be undertaken by the person.\n\t(2)\tThe Minister may issue binding directions to councils about the granting of exemptions under this regulation.\n\t(3)\tAn exemption must be given by the relevant authority by written notice and is subject to conditions stated in the notice.\n\t(4)\tAn exemption extends to each person involved in the activity to which the exemption relates.\n\t(5)\tAn exemption may be varied or revoked by the relevant authority by further written notice to the holder of the exemption.\n\t(6)\tA person who has been exempted from compliance with specified provisions of these regulations must not contravene a condition of the exemption.\nMaximum penalty: $5 000.\nPart 4—Approvals\nDivision 1—Product approvals\n16—Application\n\t(1)\tA person who has designed or proposes to manufacture, construct or sell an on‑site wastewater system may apply to the Minister for a product approval in relation to the system.\n\t(2)\tAn application for a product approval must—\n\t(a)\tbe made to the Minister in a manner and form determined by the Minister; and\n\t(b)\tbe accompanied by—\n\t(i)\ttechnical specifications for the wastewater system; and\n\t(ii)\tmanuals as contemplated by the prescribed codes; and\n\t(iii)\ta statement of the expected service life of the system and its components; and\n\t(c)\tinclude, or be accompanied by other information or documents required to be supplied by the form or the prescribed codes (which may include a certificate of an independent wastewater engineer in relation to the wastewater system or other factors); and\n\t(d)\tbe accompanied by the prescribed fee.\n\t(3)\tThe Minister may, by written notice, ask the applicant to provide the Minister with further technical specifications, information or documents relevant to the application or to modify the technical specifications or manuals accompanying the application.\n17—Determination of application\nThe Minister may refuse to grant a product approval—\n\t(a)\tif the applicant fails to satisfy the Minister of 1 or more of the following:\n\t(i)\tthat the technical specifications for the wastewater system comply with the prescribed codes;\n\t(ii)\tthat the wastewater system is suitable for its purpose;\n\t(iii)\tthat the wastewater system will not, if properly installed and operated, adversely affect or threaten public or environmental health;\n\t(iv)\tthat the manuals required to accompany the application are suitable; or\n\t(b)\tfor any other sufficient reason.\n18—Duration of approval\n\t(1)\tA product approval expires 5 years after it is granted or, if a lesser period is specified in the instrument of approval, at the end of the specified period.\n\t(2)\tHowever, an application may be made for a further product approval for the same wastewater system.\n19—Conditions of approval\n\t(1)\tA product approval is subject to the conditions specified by the Minister in the instrument of approval.\n\t(2)\tThe Minister may, for example, grant an approval subject to a condition—\n\t(a)\tthat specifies requirements relating to—\n\t(i)\tthe design, manufacture or construction of the wastewater system; or\n\t(ii)\ta quality assurance scheme for the manufacture or construction of the wastewater system; or\n\t(b)\tthat requires the holder to monitor the performance of wastewater systems that have been installed and to report the findings to the Minister; or\n\t(c)\tthat requires records of a specified kind to be created, maintained, and provided to the Minister or a person nominated by the Minister.\n\t(3)\tA condition of approval may—\n\t(a)\tprovide that a matter or thing is to be determined according to the discretion of the Minister or some other specified person or body; and\n\t(b)\toperate by reference to a specified code as in force at a specified time or as in force from time to time.\n\t(4)\tIf a code is referred to in a condition of approval—\n\t(a)\ta copy of the code must be kept available for inspection by members of the public, without charge and during normal office hours, at the principal office of the Department; and\n\t(b)\tevidence of the contents of the code may be given in any legal proceedings by production of a document apparently certified by the Minister to be a true copy of the code.\n\t(5)\tThe Minister may, on application in a form approved by the Minister and payment of the prescribed fee, by written notice to the applicant, vary or revoke a condition of a product approval.\n\t(6)\tThe Minister may, on the Minister's own initiative, by written notice to the holder of a product approval, vary or revoke a condition of the product approval or impose a further condition, but in that case, the variation, revocation or imposition may not take effect until at least 6 months after the giving of the notice unless—\n\t(a)\tthe holder of the approval consents; or\n\t(b)\tthe Minister states in the notice that, in his or her opinion, the variation, revocation or imposition is necessary in order to prevent or mitigate significant harm to public or environmental health or the risk of such harm.\n\t(7)\tA person to whom a product approval is granted must ensure that the conditions of the approval are complied with.\nMaximum penalty: $5 000.\n20—Identification of manuals\n\t(1)\tA product approval must identify the manuals to be supplied to a purchaser of the wastewater system.\n\t(2)\tThe Minister may, on application by the holder of a product approval and payment of the prescribed fee, vary the product approval so as to refer to a new version of a manual.\n21—Revocation of approval\n\t(1)\tThe Minister may, by written notice to the holder of a product approval, revoke the approval if satisfied that—\n\t(a)\tthe approval was obtained improperly; or\n\t(b)\ta condition of the approval has been contravened.\n\t(2)\tBefore the Minister revokes a product approval, the Minister must—\n\t(a)\tgive the holder of the approval written notice of the Minister's proposed action specifying reasons for the proposed action; and\n\t(b)\tallow the holder of the approval at least 14 days within which to make submissions to the Minister in relation to the proposed action.\n22—Register of product approvals\n\t(1)\tThe Minister must keep a register of product approvals granted under these regulations.\n\t(2)\tThe register must include, in relation to each product approval, a statement of—\n\t(a)\tthe date of the approval; and\n\t(b)\tthe name and contact address of the holder of the approval; and\n\t(c)\tthe duration of the approval; and\n\t(d)\tthe type of wastewater system approved; and\n\t(e)\tif the approval has been revoked, a note of that fact and the date of the notice of revocation.\n\t(3)\tThe register may be extended to include product approvals granted under the revoked regulations.\n\t(4)\tThe register must be kept up‑to‑date, including by noting the date of any variation or revocation of conditions of approval or the imposition of further conditions of approval.\n\t(5)\tThe register must be kept available for inspection by any person during ordinary office hours at the principal office of the Department and the register or extracts of the register may be made available to the public by electronic means.\n\t(6)\tThe register may include other information considered appropriate by the Minister, but that information need not be made available to the public.\n\t(7)\tA person may, on payment of the prescribed fee, obtain a copy of any part of the register (except a part containing information that need not be made available to the public).\nDivision 2—Wastewater works approvals\n23—Application\n\t(1)\tAn application for a wastewater works approval must—\n\t(a)\tbe made to the relevant authority in a form determined by the Minister; and\n\t(b)\tbe accompanied by the technical specifications for the wastewater works; and\n\t(c)\tif the works comprise the installation or alteration of a wastewater system—be accompanied by proposed conditions for the operation, maintenance and servicing of the system or the system as altered (as the case requires); and\n\t(d)\tif it is proposed that wastewater from the wastewater system be reused or disposed of—be accompanied by proposed conditions for the reuse or disposal of the wastewater; and\n\t(e)\tinclude, or be accompanied by other information or documents required to be supplied by the form or the prescribed codes (which may include a certificate of an independent wastewater engineer in relation to the wastewater system or wastewater works concerned); and\n\t(f)\tbe accompanied by the prescribed fee.\n\t(2)\tThe relevant authority may, by written notice, ask the applicant to provide the relevant authority with further technical specifications, information or documents relevant to the application or to modify the technical specifications submitted for approval.\n24—Determination of application\n\t(1)\tThe relevant authority may refuse to grant a wastewater works approval—\n\t(a)\tif the applicant fails to satisfy the relevant authority of either or both of the following:\n\t(i)\tthat the technical specifications for the wastewater works comply with the prescribed codes;\n\t(ii)\tthat the wastewater works will not, if undertaken in accordance with the conditions of approval, adversely affect or threaten public or environmental health; or\n\t(b)\tfor any other sufficient reason.\n\t(2)\tIf an application for a wastewater works approval relates to the connection of a community wastewater management system to SA Water sewerage infrastructure or a significant increase in the amount of wastewater to be discharged from a community wastewater management system to SA Water sewerage infrastructure, the relevant authority must give SA Water a reasonable opportunity to comment on the application and must take into account any comments so made.\n25—Conditions of approval\n\t(1)\tA wastewater works approval is subject to the conditions specified by the relevant authority in the instrument of approval.\n\t(2)\tThe relevant authority may impose—\n\t(a)\tany 1 or more of the following prescribed expiable conditions:\n\t(i)\ta condition that sets out mandatory notification stages during the progress of wastewater works when a person is required to notify the relevant authority in a specified manner and stop the work pending an inspection carried out at the person's expense;\n\t(ii)\ta condition that requires the display of specified notices on the premises on which the wastewater system is located;\n\t(iii)\ta condition that requires a person to monitor the performance of the wastewater system in a specified manner (including by inspections carried out at specified times at the person's expense) and to provide the relevant authority with specified information in a specified manner and at specified times;\n\t(iv)\ta condition that provides that specified material must not, or that only specified material may, be discharged into, or from, the wastewater system;\n\t(v)\ta condition that requires the wastewater system to be operated, maintained or serviced by a person of a specified class;\n\t(vi)\ta condition that requires records of a specified kind to be created, maintained, and provided to the relevant authority; or\n\t(b)\tany other conditions including any 1 or more of the following:\n\t(i)\ta condition that requires decommissioning of the wastewater system—\n\t(A)\tafter a specified trial period; or\n\t(B)\tin specified circumstances; or\n\t(C)\ton written notice to the operator of the system;\n\t(ii)\ta condition that requires a wastewater system to be connected to a community wastewater management system;\n\t(iii)\ta condition that prevents activities that would adversely affect the operation or maintenance of a drain or treatment or disposal system or the reuse of wastewater from the wastewater system;\n\t(iv)\ta condition that requires a wastewater system to have various access points for maintenance or inspection (raised to or terminating at surface level, or as required by the relevant authority);\n\t(v)\ta condition that provides that a wastewater system must not be used unless or until it has been inspected or tested by an independent wastewater engineer and the relevant authority supplied with a certificate given by that expert certifying that the wastewater works have been undertaken in accordance with the approved technical specifications;\n\t(vi)\ta condition that otherwise specifies requirements relating to—\n\t(A)\tthe installation of the wastewater system; or\n\t(B)\tthe decommissioning of the wastewater system; or\n\t(C)\tthe connection of the wastewater system to a community wastewater management system or SA Water sewerage infrastructure or the disconnection of the wastewater system from a community wastewater management system or from SA Water sewerage infrastructure; or\n\t(D)\tthe operation, servicing and maintenance of the wastewater system; or\n\t(E)\tthe reuse or disposal of wastewater from the wastewater system.\n\t(3)\tA condition of approval may—\n\t(a)\tprovide that a matter or thing is to be determined according to the discretion of the relevant authority or some other specified person or body; and\n\t(b)\toperate by reference to the manuals referred to in a product approval for the wastewater system; and\n\t(c)\toperate by reference to a specified code as in force at a specified time or as in force from time to time.\n\t(4)\tIf a code is referred to in a condition of approval—\n\t(a)\ta copy of the code must be kept available for inspection by members of the public, without charge and during normal office hours, at, if the relevant authority is the Minister, the principal office of the Department and, if the relevant authority is a council, the office of the council; and\n\t(b)\tevidence of the contents of the code may be given in any legal proceedings by production of a document apparently certified by the relevant authority to be a true copy of the code.\n\t(5)\tIf a condition of approval authorises the reuse or disposal of wastewater from a wastewater system, the authorisation is conditional on any necessary authorisation of the activity being in force under section 127 of the Natural Resources Management Act 2004.\n\t(6)\tThe relevant authority may, on application and payment of the prescribed fee, by written notice to the applicant, vary or revoke a condition of a wastewater works approval.\n\t(7)\tThe relevant authority may, on its own initiative, by written notice to the operator of a wastewater system to which a wastewater works approval applies, vary or revoke a condition of the approval or impose a further condition, but in that case, the variation, revocation or imposition may not take effect until at least 6 months after the giving of the notice unless—\n\t(a)\tthe operator consents; or\n\t(b)\tthe relevant authority states in the notice that, in its opinion, the variation, revocation or imposition is necessary in order to prevent or mitigate significant harm to public or environmental health or the risk of such harm.\n26—Expiry of approval\n\t(1)\tA wastewater works approval expires if the works are not commenced, or are commenced but are not substantially completed, within 24 months after the date of the approval.\n\t(2)\tA relevant authority may, on application and payment of the prescribed fee, postpone the expiry of a wastewater works approval for a specified period.\n27—Registers of wastewater works approvals\n\t(1)\tEach relevant authority must keep a register of wastewater works approvals granted by the authority under these regulations.\n\t(2)\tThe registers to be kept under this regulation must include, in relation to each wastewater works approval, a statement of—\n\t(a)\tthe date of the approval; and\n\t(b)\tthe nature of the wastewater works to which the approval relates; and\n\t(c)\tthe location or proposed location of the wastewater system concerned; and\n\t(d)\tthe type of wastewater system concerned; and\n\t(e)\tthe conditions of approval or a summary of the conditions of approval; and\n\t(f)\tany postponement of the expiry of the approval.\n\t(3)\tThe registers may be extended to include wastewater works approvals granted under the revoked regulations.\n\t(4)\tThe registers must—\n\t(a)\tbe kept in a manner facilitating retrieval of relevant information for all approvals relating to a particular wastewater system; and\n\t(b)\tbe kept up‑to‑date, including by noting the date of any variation or revocation of conditions of approval or the imposition of further conditions of approval.\n\t(5)\tThe registers must be kept available for inspection by any person during ordinary office hours at, if the relevant authority is the Minister, the principal office of the Department and, if the relevant authority is a council, the office of the council and the registers or extracts of the registers may be made available to the public by electronic means.\n\t(6)\tThe registers may include other information considered appropriate by the relevant authority, but that information need not be made available to the public.\nPart 5—Enforcement\n28—Inspections and testing\n\t(1)\tAn authorised officer may, in connection with the administration or enforcement of these regulations—\n\t(a)\tenter premises and inspect, examine or test a wastewater system and undertake work or an activity reasonably necessary to facilitate or undertake an inspection, examination or test, or give directions as to an inspection, examination or test; and\n\t(b)\ttake samples of a substance or thing for analysis.\n\t(2)\tIn the exercise of a power under this regulation, an authorised officer may be accompanied by such assistants as may be necessary or desirable in the circumstances.\n\t(3)\tA person must not, without reasonable excuse, hinder or obstruct an authorised officer, or a person assisting an authorised officer, in the exercise of a power under this regulation.\nMaximum penalty: $5 000.\n\t(4)\tIn this regulation—\nwastewater system includes part of a wastewater system.\n29—Requirement to obtain expert report\n\t(1)\tIf the Minister or a council suspects on reasonable grounds that a wastewater system is adversely affecting or threatening public or environmental health, the Minister or council may give the operator of the system a written notice requiring the operator to obtain and provide to the Minister or council a written report from an independent wastewater engineer within a specified period addressing specified matters.\n\t(2)\tA person must comply with a notice under subregulation (1).\nMaximum penalty: $5 000.\n\t(3)\tIf the requirements of a notice under this regulation are not complied with, the Minister or council may obtain the required report (and a person authorised to do so by the Minister or council may enter land at any reasonable time for the purposes of the report) and recover costs and expenses reasonably incurred in doing so from the person who failed to comply with the notice, as a debt.\nPart 6—Miscellaneous\n30—Reuse of wastewater from SA Water sewerage infrastructure\n\t(1)\tA person must not—\n\t(a)\treuse wastewater from SA Water sewerage infrastructure or a treatment plant associated with SA Water sewerage infrastructure; or\n\t(b)\tsupply such wastewater for reuse,\nexcept in accordance with an approval of the Minister.\nMaximum penalty: $5 000.\n\t(2)\tA reference in subregulation (1) to the reuse of wastewater includes a reference to the disposal of the wastewater to land for irrigation.\n31—False or misleading statements\nA person must not make a statement that is false or misleading in a material particular (whether by reason of the inclusion or omission of any particular) in any information provided, or record kept, under these regulations.\nMaximum penalty: $5 000.\n32—Access to codes, standards etc\nFor the purposes of section 109(6)(c) of the Act, copies of codes, standards or other documents must be kept available for inspection at the principal office of the Department.\nSchedule 2—Transitional provisions\nPart 2—Transitional provisions\n2—Interpretation\nIn this Part—\nrevoked regulations means the Public and Environmental Health (Waste Control) Regulations 2010.\n3—Modification of prescribed code\nThe On‑site Wastewater Systems Code referred to in regulation 4(1)(a) of these regulations is modified until the second anniversary of the commencement of that regulation as follows:\n\t(a)\tdelete clause 12.1.3;\n\t(b)\tdelete the following items from clause 12.1.4:\n\"Copies of certification documentation from an independent product certification agency accredited by JAS/ANZ, confirming certification of the on‑site wastewater treatment system to the relevant part of AS/NZS 1546 (or other relevant standards)\nA certification evaluation report prepared by the product certification body detailing the testing methods used, inclusion of all data, comparing performance components with test criteria and security arrangements to ensure testing integrity\nDocumentation that the laboratories used for off‑site chemical and bacteriological determinations are National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) registered to carry out analyses for the parameters specified\";\n\t(c)\tdelete clause 12.2.3;\n\t(d)\tdelete the following items from clause 12.2.4:\n\"Copies of certification documentation from a certification agency accredited by JAS‑ANZ or other equivalent organisation(s) as agreed by DHA, confirming certification of the on‑site wastewater treatment system to be in compliance with the relevant standard/guideline\nA certification evaluation report prepared by the product certification body detailing the testing methods used, inclusion of all data sheets, comparing performance against the test criteria and detailing the security arrangements adopted to ensure testing integrity\nDocumentation that the laboratories used for off‑site chemical and bacteriological determinations are National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) registered (or equivalent) to carry out analyses for the parameters specified\"\n4—Product approvals\n\t(1)\tAn approval in force under regulation 10 of the revoked regulations immediately before the commencement of this clause will be taken, on that commencement, to be a product approval under these regulations.\n\t(2)\tThe product approval under these regulations is subject to the same conditions as the approval under the revoked regulations and will expire 2 years after the commencement of this clause or on the date on which the approval would have expired under the revoked regulations, whichever is the earlier.\n5—Wastewater works approvals\n\t(1)\tAn approval in force under the revoked regulations other than under regulation 10 immediately before the commencement of this clause will be taken, on that commencement, to be a wastewater works approval under these regulations.\n\t(2)\tThe wastewater works approval under these regulations is subject to the same conditions as the approval under the revoked regulations and will expire in accordance with these regulations.\n6—Notices under regulation 24 of revoked regulations\n\t(1)\tA notice issued by a council and in force under regulation 24 of the revoked regulations immediately before the commencement of this clause will be taken, on that commencement, to be a notice issued by the council under regulation 9 of these regulations.\n\t(2)\tThe notice under these regulations is subject to the same conditions as the notice under the revoked regulations.\nLegislative history\nNotes\n\t•\tPlease note—References in the legislation to other legislation or instruments or to titles of bodies or offices are not automatically updated as part of the program for the revision and publication of legislation and therefore may be obsolete.\n\t•\tEarlier versions of these regulations (historical versions) are listed at the end of the legislative history.\n\t•\tFor further information relating to the Act and subordinate legislation made under the Act see the Index of South Australian Statutes or www.legislation.sa.gov.au.\nLegislation revoked by principal regulations\nThe South Australian Public Health (Wastewater) Regulations 2013 revoked the following:\nPublic and Environmental Health (Waste Control) Regulations 2010\nPrincipal regulations and variations\nNew entries appear in bold.\nYear\nNo\nReference\nCommencement\n2013\n163\nGazette 14.6.2013 p2588\n16.6.2013: r 2\n2013\n149\nGazette 6.6.2013 p2411\n1.7.2013: r 2\n2014\n95\nGazette 19.6.2014 p2545\n1.7.2014: r 2\n2015\n110\nGazette 18.6.2015 p2682\n1.7.2015: r 2\n2015\n175\nGazette 25.6.2015 p3083\n25.6.2015: r 2\n2016\n110\nGazette 23.6.2016 p2293\n1.7.2016: r 2\n2017\n103\nGazette 22.6.2017 p2262\n1.7.2017: r 2\n2018\n77\nGazette 21.6.2018 p2181\nSch 2 (cll 7 to 17)—1.7.2018: r 2\n2020\n165\nGazette 4.6.2020 p3017\n1.7.2020: r 2\nProvisions varied\nNew entries appear in bold.\nEntries that relate to provisions that have been deleted appear in italics.\nProvision\nHow varied\nCommencement\nr 2\nomitted under Legislation Revision and Publication Act 2002\n1.7.2013\nr 3\n\n\nr 3(1)\n\n\ncommunity wastewater management system\nsubstituted by 175/2015 r 4\n25.6.2015\nprescribed fee\ninserted by 77/2018 Sch 2 cl 7\n1.7.2018\n\nvaried by 165/2020 r 4\n1.7.2020\nr 9\n\n\nr 9(7)\nvaried by 77/2018 Sch 2 cl 8\n1.7.2018\nr 16\n\n\nr 16(2)\nvaried by 77/2018 Sch 2 cl 9\n1.7.2018\nr 19\n\n\nr 19(5)\nvaried by 77/2018 Sch 2 cl 10\n1.7.2018\nr 20\n\n\nr 20(2)\nvaried by 77/2018 Sch 2 cl 11\n1.7.2018\nr 22\n\n\nr 22(7)\nvaried by 77/2018 Sch 2 cl 12\n1.7.2018\nr 23\n\n\nr 23(1)\nvaried by 77/2018 Sch 2 cl 13\n1.7.2018\nr 25\n\n\nr 25(6)\nvaried by 77/2018 Sch 2 cl 14\n1.7.2018\nr 26\n\n\nr 26(2)\nvaried by 77/2018 Sch 2 cl 15\n1.7.2018\nr 33\ndeleted by 77/2018 Sch 2 cl 16\n1.7.2018\nSch 1\nsubstituted by 149/2013 r 4\n1.7.2013\n\nsubstituted by 95/2014 r 4\n1.7.2014\n\nsubstituted by 110/2015 r 4\n1.7.2015\n\nsubstituted by 110/2016 r 4\n1.7.2016\n\nsubstituted by 103/2017 r 4\n1.7.2017\n\ndeleted by 77/2018 Sch 2 cl 17\n1.7.2018\nSch 2\n\n\nPt 1\nomitted under Legislation Revision and Publication Act 2002\n1.7.2013\nHistorical versions\n1.7.2013\n\n1.7.2014\n\n25.6.2015 (electronic only)\n\n1.7.2015\n\n1.7.2016\n\n1.7.2017\n\n1.7.2018\n\n","sortOrder":0}],"analysis":{"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":6,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The regulations appear consistent with their original intent as implementing regulations for the South Australian Public Health Act 2011, specifically addressing wastewater management. The 2013 regulations replaced the earlier Public and Environmental Health (Waste Control) Regulations 2010, and while they have been amended several times (notably in 2018 regarding fees and certification requirements), these amendments appear to be refinements and updates rather than scope creep. The core framework – distinguishing between on-site and community systems, maintaining the dual council/Minister approval structure, and incorporating external codes by reference – remains intact."},"complexity_factors":["Dual approval pathways with jurisdictional split between councils (systems ≤40 EP) and Minister (all others), creating boundary complexity","Extensive cross-referencing to external 'prescribed codes' (On-site Wastewater Systems Code and Community Wastewater Management Systems Code) which are 'as in force from time to time' – the regulations don't stand alone","Multiple defined terms (20+ in regulation 3 alone) including nested definitions like 'wastewater works' which has 5 distinct sub-categories","Conditional logic throughout: exemptions available but subject to Ministerial directions; conditions of approval can reference codes 'as in force at a specified time or as in force from time to time'","Transitional provisions modifying the prescribed code by deleting specific clauses (Schedule 2, clause 3) – requires reading two documents simultaneously","Parallel structures for product approvals (Part 4 Division 1) and wastewater works approvals (Part 4 Division 2) with similar but not identical provisions","Nested exceptions: exemptions from regulation 9 (connection to community systems) and exemptions from prescribed codes (regulation 15), both subject to binding Ministerial directions","Interaction with other statutes: Natural Resources Management Act 2004 (section 127), Water Industry Act 2012, Plumbers, Gas Fitters and Electricians Act 1995"],"plain_english_summary":"These regulations set the rules for managing wastewater in South Australia to protect public health and the environment. They cover everything from household septic tanks to large community sewage systems.\n\n**Who it affects:**\n- **Homeowners** with on-site wastewater systems (septic tanks, composting toilets, aerated treatment systems)\n- **Councils** (local governments) who run community wastewater systems or approve small household systems\n- **Plumbers and wastewater engineers** who install or maintain systems\n- **Manufacturers and sellers** of wastewater treatment products\n- **SA Water** (the state water utility)\n\n**What it does:**\n- **Approvals system:** Anyone installing, altering or decommissioning a wastewater system needs approval from either their local council (for small systems under 40 equivalent persons) or the Minister (for larger systems). Products sold as wastewater systems must also be approved.\n- **Technical standards:** Systems must meet \"prescribed codes\" – technical documents published by the Minister that incorporate Australian Standards and other guidelines.\n- **Community systems:** Councils can establish community wastewater management systems for towns or regions. They must consult the public first, and can require nearby property owners to connect their on-site systems to the community network.\n- **Operation and maintenance:** System operators must maintain their systems properly and follow any conditions on their approvals. Wastewater can only be reused or disposed of in authorised ways.\n- **Enforcement:** Authorised officers can inspect systems, take samples, and require expert reports if they suspect health risks. There are penalties (up to $5,000) and on-the-spot fines for non-compliance.\n\n**Why it matters:**\nPoorly managed wastewater spreads disease and damages the environment. These regulations ensure systems are properly designed, installed by qualified people, and maintained throughout their life. They also provide a pathway for rural areas to transition from individual septic tanks to shared community systems as towns grow."},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":7,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"These regulations replace the earlier Public and Environmental Health (Waste Control) Regulations 2010 (see Legislative history). Transitional provisions (Schedule 2) convert approvals under the revoked regulations into approvals under these regulations (Sch 2 cl 4–6) and temporarily modify the On‑site Wastewater Systems Code by deleting certain certification and laboratory documentation requirements until the second anniversary of commencement (Sch 2 cl 3). Those transitional and modification clauses alter the immediate regulatory scope and the compliance requirements that applied under the revoked regulations."},"complexity_factors":["Dual approval streams (product approvals under Part 4 Div 1 and wastewater works approvals under Part 4 Div 2) increasing procedural steps (regs 16–26).","Multiple decision‑makers and allocation of authority between councils and the Minister (reg 6), including Ministerial directions to councils (regs 10(2), 15(2)).","Frequent operation by reference to external prescribed codes and standards (reg 4), and the ability for conditions to operate by reference to codes or manuals (regs 19(3)(b), 25(3)(b)).","Broad discretionary powers to impose, vary or revoke conditions, with a 6‑month deferred effect rule unless urgent (regs 19(6), 25(7)).","Detailed compliance and recordkeeping requirements including technical specifications, manuals, independent engineer certificates and post‑work certification within tight timeframes (regs 11(2), 16(2), 23(1)(b)–(f), 25(2)(b)(v)).","Enforcement powers that allow entry, testing and cost recovery as a debt if operators fail to comply (regs 28, 9(6)–(7), 29(3)).","Transitional modifications to prescribed codes and treatment of prior approvals (Schedule 2), adding temporary exceptions and phased changes (Sch 2 cl 3–6).","Multiple penalty and expiation fee schedules across many contraventions, requiring mapping of offences to fees (see regs 9, 11–15, 19, 25, 28–31)."],"plain_english_summary":"# What these regulations do\n\nThese regulations set rules for the design, approval, installation, operation, sale and enforcement of both on‑site wastewater systems (for a single property) and community wastewater management systems (for towns or regions) in South Australia. They establish two linked regulatory streams:\n\n- product approvals for on‑site wastewater systems (Part 4 Division 1); and\n- wastewater works approvals for installation, alteration, decommissioning or connection work (Part 4 Division 2).\n\nThey also set how councils and the Minister share decision‑making, provide for public notice when councils propose community systems, require operators to connect to such systems when approved, allow exemptions, require records and manuals, create public registers, and give officers powers to inspect and require expert reports (Parts 2, 3, 5). Penalties and expiation fees apply for non‑compliance (see multiple provisions). The stated statutory objective for a council proposing a community wastewater management system is \"in the interests of public and environmental health\" (reg 8(1)).\n\n# Who is affected and who pays\n\n- Operators of wastewater systems (defined at reg 3(1)) carry most ongoing obligations: operating, maintaining and servicing systems in accordance with approvals and prescribed codes (reg 12), complying with reuse/disposal conditions (reg 13), and supplying records and certificates after work (reg 11(2)). Penalties apply for failures (see regs 11–13).  \n- Applicants (manufacturers/designers/sellers) seeking product approval must supply technical specifications, manuals and pay a prescribed fee (reg 16(1)–(2)). Sellers must only sell products that have product approval and must supply manuals to purchasers (reg 14).  \n- Where a council requires connection to a new community wastewater system, the operator must apply for necessary approvals within the stated period (reg 9(1)–(3)); if the operator does not apply, the relevant authority may grant the approval and recover costs as a debt from the operator (reg 9(4), (7)).  \n- Where an authorised officer or the authority carries out work or obtains a required expert report because an operator failed to do so, the authority may recover costs and expenses as a debt from the operator (reg 9(6)–(7); reg 29(3)).  \n- Applicants and operators may also face monitoring, inspection and testing costs where conditions of approval require monitoring or independent engineer certificates (reg 25(2)(a)(iii); reg 25(2)(b)(v)).  \n\n# How the regulatory mechanics work (key points)\n\n- Prescribed codes: The regulations operate by reference to a Minister‑published On‑site Wastewater Systems Code and a Community Wastewater Management Systems Code and to certain named standards bodies (reg 4). Those codes set technical rules and are applied by reference in approvals and offences.  \n- Product approvals: A product approval is required for an on‑site system to be sold or installed (reg 11(1)(a), reg 14). The Minister decides applications, can impose conditions (including by reference to codes and manuals), and approvals normally last up to 5 years (regs 16–20). The Minister may vary or revoke approvals and conditions, and must give notice and an opportunity to respond before revocation (reg 21).  \n- Wastewater works approvals: Relevant authorities (councils for small on‑site systems in council areas; otherwise the Minister) decide approvals for installation, alteration, decommissioning, connections and related works (reg 6; regs 23–24). Approvals are conditional, can require mandatory notification stages, monitoring, limitation of discharges, independent engineer certification and other measures (reg 25). Approval expiry and postponement rules apply (reg 26).  \n- Registers and public access: Minister and councils must keep public registers of product approvals and wastewater works approvals and make copies available for inspection (regs 22, 27).  \n- Enforcement: Authorised officers may enter premises for inspection and testing (reg 28). Authorities can require independent wastewater engineer reports where there is suspicion of harm (reg 29). Non‑compliance attracts fines and expiation fees set in the regulations (see regs 9, 11–15, 19, 25, 28–31).  \n\n# Purpose claims and how they interact with costs, incentives and discretion\n\n- The regulations (for example reg 8(1)) present the establishment of community wastewater management systems as motivated by public and environmental health. Mechanically, achieving that involves a set of approvals, monitoring and conditions that transfer technical and financial responsibilities to system operators and applicants (see regs 11, 12, 13, 16, 23, 25).  \n\n- Costs and who bears them: The text explicitly assigns upfront fees to applicants (prescribed fee: regs 16(2)(d), 23(1)(f)), monitoring and inspection costs to operators when conditions require monitoring or independent inspections (reg 25(2)(a)(iii); reg 25(2)(b)(v)), and recovery of costs as debts where authorities step in after non‑compliance (reg 9(6)–(7); reg 29(3)). This creates a direct financial incentive for operators and applicants to comply with approvals and monitoring conditions.  \n\n- Discretion and implementation risk: The Minister and relevant authorities have broad discretionary powers to grant, condition, vary or revoke approvals (regs 17, 19(3)–(6), 24(1), 25(3)–(4), 25(6)–(7)). The Minister may issue binding directions to councils about exemptions (reg 10(2); reg 15(2)). Many conditions may operate by reference to codes or allow matters to be \"determined according to the discretion\" of the Minister or relevant authority (regs 19(3)(a), 25(3)(a)). Those provisions concentrate decision‑making power in the Minister and relevant authorities and make outcomes dependent on the content and application of codes and conditions.  \n\n- Compliance burden and administrative friction: The regulations require technical documentation, manuals, certificates from suitably qualified persons within fixed periods (eg reg 11(2): 28 days), and keep registers and public inspection points (regs 22, 27). Product approvals may require ongoing monitoring and reporting obligations (reg 19(2)(b)–(c)). These create recurring administrative obligations for manufacturers, sellers and operators.  \n\n- Trade‑offs and substitution effects: The rules allow exemptions (reg 10; reg 15) and temporary code modifications (Schedule 2 cl 3), which can reduce compliance costs in specified circumstances but are subject to Ministerial or council control. Where councils can require connections to community systems (reg 9), property operators may have to change from on‑site systems to networked systems, shifting capital and operating cost burdens onto operators or councils depending on how councils finance projects (prescribed details in reg 7 include financing and cost‑recovery arrangements).  \n\n# Notable procedural features\n\n- Transitional arrangements preserve approvals granted under the revoked regulations as approvals under these regulations but with specified expiry adjustments (Schedule 2 cl 4–6).  \n- The regulations make the content of codes, manuals and registers available for public inspection at specified offices (reg 4(3); regs 19(4), 22(5), 27(5), 32), so regulatory standards are publicly accessible in principle.\n\n# Bottom line (mechanical effect)\n\nThe regulations create a regulatory framework that ties technical codes and Minister/council approvals to the manufacture, sale, installation and operation of wastewater systems. They place primary compliance costs and many enforcement liabilities on product applicants, sellers and system operators, give the Minister and relevant authorities significant discretionary powers to set, vary and enforce conditions, and provide mechanisms for councils to establish community systems and require private systems to connect, with cost‑recovery powers where operators do not comply. (Key authorities: regs 4, 6, 9, 11–16, 19, 22–27, 28–29; Schedule 2.)"},"summary":{"complexity_score":1,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"Scope cannot be assessed — the full text of the regulations was not available for analysis. No comparison between original legislative intent and current provisions is possible from the retrieved content."},"complexity_factors":["No legislative text was retrievable — the source URL returned a 404 Page Not Found error","Score of 1 reflects inability to assess complexity, not simplicity of the law itself","Website migration on 24 March 2026 appears to have broken the hyperlink to the actual regulations","Only the title and website navigation elements were present in the provided content"],"plain_english_summary":"## South Australian Public Health (Wastewater) Regulations 2013\n\n**⚠️ Important Notice: Document Unavailable**\n\nThe actual text of these regulations could not be retrieved. The source link returned a **'Page Not Found'** error from the South Australian legislation website, likely due to a website update that occurred around **24 March 2026** which broke older hyperlinks.\n\n### What we can reasonably infer from the title:\n\nBased on the title alone, these regulations would likely deal with:\n\n- **Wastewater management** — rules around how sewage, greywater (household water from sinks/showers), and other wastewater is handled, treated, or disposed of\n- **Public health protections** — standards designed to prevent disease or contamination from poorly managed wastewater\n- **Who might be affected** — homeowners (especially those on septic systems), businesses, local councils, and wastewater service operators in South Australia\n\n### What you should do:\n\nTo read the actual regulations, visit [www.legislation.sa.gov.au](https://www.legislation.sa.gov.au) and search directly for **'Public Health (Wastewater) Regulations 2013'** using the site's search function.\n\n> ⚠️ **No legal analysis can be reliably provided without the actual legislative text.**"},"issue_detection":{"absurdities":[],"contradictions":[]},"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"A positive credit balance is required for all requests, including BYOK, so fallback providers remain available. Add credits at https://vercel.com/d?to=%2F%5Bteam%5D%2F%7E%2Fai%3Fmodal%3Dtop-up to continue.","source":"analysis-cron"}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/south-australian-public-health-wastewater-regulations-2013","history":"/api/acts/south-australian-public-health-wastewater-regulations-2013/history","analysis":"/api/acts/south-australian-public-health-wastewater-regulations-2013/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/south-australian-public-health-wastewater-regulations-2013/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/south-australian-public-health-wastewater-regulations-2013/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/south-australian-public-health-wastewater-regulations-2013/documents"}}