Trade waste is generally considered to be the liquid waste discharged to a sewer from commercial and industrial processes. Domestic waste from activities like cooking dinner, having a shower or flushing the toilet isn't 'trade waste'.
The problem with trade waste is that it ends up in our sewerage system, which isn't designed for this discharge! GWMWater sewerage systems were designed many years ago to carry predominately domestic wastes, which are generally of a very predictable quality. Unless we closely monitor trade waste discharge, it can put increased stress on the sewerage system and has the potential to create serious problems for public health, the environment and treatment plants, as well as our staff and contractors.
Important - From 1 July 2021, you can't lawfully move reportable priority waste without being fully onboarded into the Environment Protection Authority's Waste Tracker. If you require assistance to complete your sign-up, please call EPA on 1300 372 842.
Trade Waste Agreements
Before discharging trade waste, all businesses using a commercial property for their commercial or industrial processes must enter into a Trade Waste Agreement with GWMWater.
What type of agreement you apply for and the rules you must comply with depend on the classification of your business. We classify businesses into five categories from Category 0 to Category 4, based on a number of factors, including:
- business location
- volume of discharge
- nature of business activity
- quality of waste
- compliance and performance history
- risk to health and safety, the sewerage system or environment.
Categories 1, 2, 3 and 4 need to complete an application to discharge trade waste in order to enter into a Trade Waste Agreement. Category 0 need not apply as they are automatically entered into a Trade Waste Agreement.
Apply to discharge trade waste
Trade waste categories
Non-major trade waste
These are generally business types in the table below:
Food preparation |
Petrol, Oil, Grease |
Photographic, X-Ray |
Other Process |
Bakeries | Radiator repairs | Photo processing | Specialist doctor (plaster) |
Boarding houses (B&B) | Auto wreckers | Dental | Hobby clubs/crafts |
Butchers | Lawn mower repairs | X-Ray and radiation devices (including medical practices) | Laundromats/dry-cleaners |
Cafeterias | Mechanical workshops | Photographic | Boilers |
Canteens | Engine/gearbox reconditioning | Kennels | |
Clubs (with hot food preparation) |
Panel beating/spray painting | Building services (air conditioning) | |
Coffee/sandwich shops | Vehicle washing | Food/chemical processing manufacturing | |
Commercial kitchens | Service station | Fish- fresh (retail store) | |
Community halls | Car detailing | Municipal pool | |
Delicatessen | Morgue | ||
Donuts (in stand alone shops, bakeries or bread shops) | Septic tank contractors/portable toilet wastes | ||
Function centres | |||
Garbage washes | |||
Hot take-away foods | |||
Hotels | |||
Hot bread kitchens | |||
Ice-cream parlours | |||
Hospitals | |||
Motels | |||
Restaurants | |||
Take-aways | |||
Schools (home science rooms) |
Category 0
The lowest category of trade waste producers, this category is for businesses that:
- have trade waste similar of a similar quality to residential waste and;
- discharge only small amounts of trade waste.
If your business is in Category 0, you don't need to make an application to discharge trade waste. On your correspondence from us (such as a water bill) it will be made clear that you're in Category 0 and have entered a default Trade Waste Agreement.
Categories 1 & 2
Category 1 is for businesses discharging:
- mainly kitchen or laundry waste but also includes wash water from places like garages, workshops and school laboratories
- volumes that don't exceed 750 kilolitres per year.
Category 2 is for businesses discharging:
- mainly kitchen or laundry waste but also includes wash water from places like garages, workshops and school laboratories
- trade waste in volumes over 750 kilolitres a year
- trade waste with only low levels of contaminates.
Category 1 and 2 businesses need a 'Consent to Discharge' from us before discharging any trade waste into the sewerage system. A Consent to Discharge is a form of Trade Waste Agreement. To get a Consent to Discharge complete a Trade Waste Application form : Trade Waste Application form - Word Version
Businesses in these categories will also generally need a pre-treatment device or grease trap installed prior to a Consent to Discharge being issued. View our pre-treatment device and grease trap requirements.
Major trade waste
Major trade waste businesses are bound by the following criteria:
Parameter |
Concentration Threshold(< means less than) |
Biological Oxygen Demand | < 600 mg/L |
Suspended Solids | < 600 mg/L |
Nitrogen | < 150 mg/L |
Phosphorus | < 30 mg/L |
Total Dissolved Solids | < 200 kg/day |
Category 3
We classify Category 3 businesses by their large discharges and the contamination of their waste. Both the volume and nature of their trade waste makes Category 3 establishments a greater risk to our sewer system and treatment processes then category 1 and 2 customers.
Category 3 businesses must complete an application to discharge trade waste and enter into a Trade Waste Agreement before discharging trade waste.
Category 4
Trade Waste from Category 4 business has characteristics that are outside the limits set the Customer Charter and the agreement. However, it's still capable of being treated by GWMWater’s wastewater treatment facility.
Category 4 businesses must complete an application to discharge trade waste and enter into a Trade Waste Agreement before discharging trade waste.
Trade Waste Customer Charter
Information about the trade waste services performed by GWMWater and the respective rights and responsibilities of GWMWater and its customers.
Trade Waste Customer Service Code
Apply to discharge trade waste
Categories 1, 2, 3 and 4 need to complete an application to discharge trade waste in order to enter into a Trade Waste Agreement. Category 0 need not apply as they are automatically entered into a Trade Waste Agreement.
Trade waste grease trap size requirements
Restaurant
Seating |
Discharge rate (litres discharged per day) |
Grease trap size required (litres) |
1 to 15 | 100 | 100 |
16 to 38 | 600 | 600 |
39 to 69 | 1100 | 1000 |
70 to 199 | 3200 | 1500 |
200 to 399 | 6400 | 2000 |
400 to 599 | 9600 | 3000 |
600 to 799 | 12800 | 4000 |
800 to 1000 | 16000 | 5000 |
Accommodation
Motel (number of rooms) |
Hospital/Nursing Home (number of beds) |
Discharge rate (litres discharged per day) |
Grease trap size required (litres) |
Up to 50 | 1 to 69 | 1100 | 1000 |
Up to 100 | 70 to 199 | 3200 | 1500 |
Up to 200 | 200 to 399 | 6400 | 2000 |
Up to 300 | 400 to 599 | 9600 | 3000 |
Up to 500 | 600 to 799 | 12800 | 4000 |
800 to 1000 | 16000 | 5000 |
We work hard to provide as many of our customers as possible with access to safe, high-quality drinking water that consistently meets consumer and regulatory requirements in accordance with the Safe Drinking Water Act 2003 and the Safe Drinking Water Regulations 2015. The Department of Health administer the implemention of these standards across Victoria.
Our region has 19 water treatment plants that supply treated water to 92 percent of our urban customers.
- Drinking water is safe for human consumption. It can be used for drinking, cooking, making ice, cleaning your teeth and for showering or bathing. Drinking water is filtered and disinfected to meet the strict guidelines for safe drinking water.
- Non-drinking water isn't disinfected and isn't intended for human consumption. You can still use this water for household activities though, such as watering gardens, flushing toilets, irrigation and laundry purposes. You can also use it for showering or bathing, as long as you're careful to avoid swallowing the water. Read more about living with an untreated water supply here and view our Untreated Water Supply Notice.
You may be interested in reading about Guidelines for private drinking water supplies at commercial and community facilities.
Check your town's water services
GWMWater is a water supplier within the terms of the Safe Drinking Water Act 2003, which provides a legislative framework for assuring drinking water quality in Victoria. Click on your town in the table below to see if your water is safe to drink and view other information relating to your town.
Drinking water towns
Non-drinking water towns
More about our capital upgrades and renewals program
Drinking water quality test results
GWMWater tests drinking water regularly to ensure it's safe for drinking.
See our drinking water quality test results
Living with an untreated water supply
Learn more about living with an untreated water supply here or contact us to talk to our Water Quality Team.
Our mission, vision and values are an essential part of our culture at GWMWater. We incorporate these into every action we take - whether it's providing assistance over the phone, fixing a service fault, or encouraging regional growth for our local communities.
Our vision
Healthy environment, thriving community.
Our mission
Through partnerships with our stakeholders, we will provide affordable services using our precious resources to ensure a productive and liveable region.
Our valuesCustomerWe will promote a culture that respects the views of our customers and our people with a 'can do' approach.
OrganisationWe will work as a team to deliver agreed organisational priorities whilst respecting the views of stakeholders.
AccountableWe will be accountable for the actions we take and responsible for those we influence.
TransparentWe will be able to promote the merit of our decision making.
EfficientWe will ensure that the performance of our people, assets and resources are optimised in the provision of services.
DisciplinedWe will ensure that our policies and processes support a consistent attainment of quality and safety in all aspects of our operations. |
Further information...GWMWater is a government-owned statutory corporation established in 2004 with a responsibility to provide, manage, operate and protect water supply and sewerage systems for our community.
Policy - Drinking Water Quality
|
At GWMWater we take great pride in our team of expert, professional and customer-focused employees. We employ a large number of staff across the region in areas such as engineering, customer service, communications, finance, operations and more.
GWMWater is one of the largest regional water corporations in Victoria and offers exciting career opportunities for all employees.
Our corporate headquarters is in Horsham, the capital of the beautiful Wimmera region, only three hours from Melbourne or the magnificent Victorian South West Coast. The region boasts access to many national parks including the Grampians and Mt Arapiles. Horsham offers a warm and welcoming community for those wanting a safe and healthy rural lifestyle, and the town boasts first-class health, educational, cultural, sporting and social facilities.
Read GWMWater; A Great Place to Work - Brochure to learn more about what it's like working with us at GWMWater or check out the Visit Wimmera Mallee website.
At GWMWater we're committed to:
- Supporting staff, suppliers and contractors in achieving zero harm
- Offering a flexible and stimulating workplace
- Investing in our people so we can adapt to the changing needs of our region
- Building the capacity and culture of our people into a more highly-skilled, professional, customer-focused and efficient organisation
GWMWater is an equal employment opportunity employer and provides a smoke-free work environment.
Sign up for job alerts
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Current Vacancies
Multiple positions available
We are looking for a customer-focused, enthusiastic person to join our Customer Service team!
As Customer Service Officer, you will be part of our Customer Service team who are the initial point of contact for GWMWater. You will be responsible for answering incoming calls through both our general enquiries and faults lines, as well as greeting and assisting customers at our McLachlan Street office reception. When you are not answering customer calls you will be responsible for processing change of ownerships, information statements, customer payments and shutdown notifications, as well as other general administrative tasks.
If you have a friendly ‘can-do’ approach to customer service, an eye for detail and a willingness to learn and adapt to changing task priorities, this is the job for you.
While this position is advertised as a full-time ongoing role, we will consider part-time/job-share arrangements for a strong candidate.
To apply for this role, please click here.
Applications close: Wednesday 26 June 2024
GWMWater contact: Ollie Reynolds, People Talent and Culture Officer
Staff testimonials
Ever wondered what it's like working at GWMWater? Watch the videos below from some of our employees to find out more...
Amy Harding, our Customer Service Officer, talks about her experience joining the GWMWater Customer Service team.
Nalaka Vitharana, our Executive Manager Infrastructure, talks about his career journey to Executive as well as leadership opportunities at GWMWater.
Lisa Warrick, our Learning and Development Coordinator, talks about her career journey at GWMWater, from the Customer Service team through to the People, Talent & Culture team.
Katherine Velthuis, our Finance Officer, talks about how her career has progressed and the training opportunities she has been given, since joining the GWMWater team.
Stephanie Merlicek, our Environmental Sustainability Officer, shares the challenges, surprises and advice she would give to others considering making the move to our region.
Josh Turco, our Graduate Engineer, shares what it was like relocating to the region and joining the GWMWater team.
Preparing your application
Your application should comprise three things:
- Your CV detailing your employment history, educational qualifications and contact details.
- A cover letter including a summary of your experience and achievements that relate to the key selection criteria outlined in the position description.
- A statement addressing the key selection criteria.
Reference checking
Two work related references should be supplied with your application. These should be individuals who can comment directly on your abilities in a work situation.
Our recruitment process
Assessment
All applications are assessed by a selection panel. Each member of the selection panel compares the information from each applicant with the position description selection criteria, as well as against the other applicants.
Interview
If you're selected for interview, we'll invite you to meet us for a discussion about your skills and experiences in relation to the role.
At this point, we may also:
- have a chat with your referees to get a better understanding of you as a person and your suitability for the role
- ask you to undergo Psychometric Testing, simply as part of the selection process.
Offer
If we'd like to offer you a position:
- We may ask that you take a medical examination, depending on the role. This is so we're sure that we won't be risking your health as part of your role.
- You may also be required to undergo a police/criminal record check depending on the role.
If all goes well: Congratulations! We welcome you to GWMWater!
Our work environment
We offer great working conditions, and a variety of interesting and creative work.
- Friendly and supportive
- Committed to diversity and equal employment opportunity
- Health and wellbeing program and active social club
- Community-minded
- Team-oriented
We understand that staff and their families sometimes may need someone to talk to help guide them through a problem – whether it be on-the-job or personal matters. To assist our employees through these times we have engaged Optum to provide staff with confidential counselling through its Employment Assistance Program (EAP). More information.
Flexibility
A flexible workplace is a happy workplace! We recognise the importance of a work-life balance.
- Flexible work arrangements
- Family-friendly
Professional development
We believe that we can offer superior services to our customers when we invest in the development of our staff.
- Mentoring
- Willing to share knowledge
- Challenging career opportunities
- Employee development opportunities
Rewards and recognition
We reward our people with great entitlements and fair pay.
- Salary sacrifice (superannuation)
- Reward and recognition program
- Competitive remuneration and salary packaging
- Access to Local Government Employees Health Plan
Career pathways: Where do you fit in?
Career pathways for our staff are numerous. Some staff come direct from secondary school and complete traineeships or other ‘on-the-job’ training. Other staff have done tertiary qualifications before starting with us.
All staff regularly update their knowledge and often take further training or qualifications.
The diagram below shows indicative training levels, which may vary with the skills of the person involved or changes in the role.
Privacy
By making an application, you consent to the collection, use, storage and removal of your personal information, including the details of your referees. At all times during the recruitment process, this information is treated in a highly confidential manner. All documents are held in secure storage and made available only to members of the selection panel.
With droughts and unreliable rainfall making water such a valuable resource, it's important to make sure you're using your water supplies as efficiently as possible. These simple tips can help you ensure that you're recognising costly leaks or other water-wasting situations as soon as possible.
Sign up for Customer Portal
We encourage customers connected to the Wimmera or Northern Mallee piplines to sign up for our Customer Portal, a free online system that allows you to monitor your water use and be alerted about potential leaks or high usage.
Check your water meter regularly
Ensure that your water meter hasn't been damaged or turned off. We recommend you record your meter readings periodically and monitor your water use. As well as checking for accuracy and working order, it can be useful to have an idea of your water usage habits.
Check the connection from the meter to the tank
Because the pipeline is under high pressure, a large volume of water will be lost if there's a leak in the pipe between the water meter and the tank. A leak will also reduce the amount of water supplied to the tank, and in extreme cases might result in an empty tank. Also check regularly to confirm that there is a flow of water into your tank.
Consider fitting a level gauge on your tank
A level gauge on your tank can help you keep track of your water supply. There are a few ways to do this, such as using a float indicator.
Be smart
- Don't use your troughs as a reliable indicator of tank water levels. The tank might actually be empty and the trough water is the last of the available supply.
- When there's no need for a water supply (e.g. when stock isn't in the area), switch off the meter. This way you can avoid the possibility of undetected leaks and water waste.
Don't forget about firefighting needs
- Make sure you have enough water readily available around your property and home to fight fires.
- Equip your tanks with a tee piece, a standard CFA fitting and extra valve at the outlet.
Further information...Designing your on-farm piped system If you're planning to install your on-farm piped system, we have tools and advice available to help you develop the best design for your property. |
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