If you’re building a new home, developing a rural property or managing a commercial project without access to mains sewer, you’ve likely heard the term AWTS. Short for Aerated Wastewater Treatment System, an AWTS is a modern wastewater solution designed to safely treat and recycle household wastewater while protecting the environment.
Compared to traditional septic systems, AWTS units provide a higher level of treatment, making them an excellent choice for many residential, rural and commercial properties. At Bennetts Concrete, we supply and install quality Aerated Wastewater Treatment Systems throughout the South Coast of New South Wales, helping homeowners, builders and developers find reliable wastewater solutions built to last.
In this guide, we’ll explain how an AWTS works, its benefits, ongoing maintenance, running costs and whether it’s the right choice for your property.
What Is an AWTS?
An Aerated Wastewater Treatment System (AWTS) is an on-site wastewater treatment system that uses air and naturally occurring bacteria to break down and treat wastewater from your home or business.
Unlike a conventional septic tank, which simply separates solids from liquids, an AWTS actively treats wastewater through multiple stages before producing high-quality treated effluent. This treated water can then be dispersed through approved irrigation systems in accordance with local council requirements.
AWTS systems are commonly installed where properties are not connected to mains sewer and where a higher standard of wastewater treatment is required.
How Does an AWTS Work?
An AWTS treats wastewater in several carefully controlled stages.
Primary Treatment
Wastewater from toilets, showers, laundries and kitchens enters the first chamber, where solids settle to the bottom while oils and grease rise to the surface. This initial stage is similar to a conventional septic tank.
Aeration Process
The partially treated wastewater then flows into an aeration chamber. Here, an electric air pump introduces oxygen into the water, encouraging beneficial bacteria to flourish. These bacteria rapidly break down organic matter, producing a much cleaner wastewater than a traditional septic system.
Clarification
The treated water moves into a clarification chamber where any remaining suspended solids settle out before the water proceeds to the final treatment stage.
Disinfection
Most AWTS systems include either chlorine dosing or ultraviolet (UV) disinfection to eliminate harmful bacteria before the treated water is safely distributed through an approved irrigation system.
This multi-stage process produces treated wastewater that is significantly cleaner than standard septic tank effluent.
The Benefits of an AWTS
More Australian property owners are choosing AWTS systems because they offer several important advantages.
Superior Wastewater Treatment
AWTS systems provide a much higher level of treatment than conventional septic tanks, helping to protect surrounding soil, waterways and the environment.
Ideal for Smaller Blocks
Because the treated water is of a higher quality, it can often be disposed of using irrigation systems, making AWTS units suitable for properties with limited land available for wastewater disposal.
Environmentally Friendly
Cleaner treated water reduces environmental impact and helps protect groundwater and nearby waterways, particularly in environmentally sensitive areas.
Suitable for Modern Homes
Larger families and modern households often generate more wastewater than older properties. AWTS systems are designed to efficiently manage higher daily water usage while maintaining excellent treatment performance.
Long-Term Reliability
When professionally installed and regularly maintained, an AWTS can provide dependable wastewater treatment for many years.
Who Is an AWTS Best Suited For?
An Aerated Wastewater Treatment System is ideal for a wide variety of properties, including:
- Rural homes
- Lifestyle properties
- Acreages
- New home builds
- Commercial developments
- Farms and agricultural properties
- Homes without access to mains sewer
- Environmentally sensitive locations
Because every site is different, the most suitable wastewater solution depends on factors such as soil type, property size, water usage and local council requirements.
Maintaining Your AWTS
Like any mechanical system, an AWTS requires routine servicing to ensure it continues operating safely and efficiently.
Regular maintenance typically includes:
- Inspecting pumps and aerators
- Testing water quality
- Checking chlorine or UV disinfection systems
- Cleaning filters where required
- Inspecting irrigation components
- Monitoring alarms and electrical systems
- Removing accumulated sludge when necessary
In New South Wales, most local councils require AWTS systems to be serviced regularly by an accredited technician. Routine servicing not only keeps the system compliant but also helps maximise its lifespan and performance.
What Does an AWTS Cost to Run?
Many homeowners are surprised to learn that AWTS systems are relatively economical to operate.
Typical ongoing costs include:
- Electricity to run the air pump and irrigation pumps
- Scheduled servicing
- Chlorine tablets or UV lamp replacement
- Periodic desludging
Although an AWTS generally has higher operating costs than a standard septic tank, the improved treatment quality, environmental benefits and flexibility often make it a worthwhile investment.
Why Professional Installation Matters
Installing an AWTS involves far more than placing a tank in the ground.
A properly designed wastewater system must consider:
- Soil conditions
- Site drainage
- Property slope
- Household occupancy
- Wastewater volumes
- Local council regulations
- Irrigation design
Professional installation ensures your system operates efficiently, complies with Australian Standards and delivers reliable long-term performance.
Why Choose Bennetts Concrete?
At Bennetts Concrete, we provide complete wastewater solutions across the South Coast of New South Wales.
Our experienced team supplies and installs:
- Aerated Wastewater Treatment Systems (AWTS)
- Septic Tanks
- Commercial Wastewater Systems
- Collection Wells
- Subsurface Irrigation Systems
- Pressure Dosed Absorption Trenches
- Stormwater Management Solutions
As an authorised agent for Bega Concrete Tanks, we can also supply premium concrete water and wastewater storage solutions trusted throughout regional New South Wales.
Whether you’re building a new home, replacing an ageing septic system or planning a commercial development, we’ll help you choose the right solution for your property.
Choosing the Right Wastewater System
No two properties are the same. Selecting the right wastewater system depends on several important factors, including your property’s size, soil conditions, water usage and local council requirements.
Speaking with experienced professionals early in your project can help avoid costly mistakes while ensuring your wastewater system performs reliably for decades.
Talk to Bennetts Concrete
If you’re considering installing an Aerated Wastewater Treatment System (AWTS), the team at Bennetts Concrete is here to help.
We work with homeowners, builders, developers, farmers and commercial clients throughout the South Coast, providing expert advice, quality products and professional installation services.
Whether you’re planning a new build, upgrading an existing septic system or exploring wastewater treatment options, we’ll recommend the right solution for your needs.
Contact Bennetts Concrete today to discuss your project, request expert advice or arrange a no-obligation quote.
