Ecologically sustainable development provides the basis for water quality management. The environmental objectives for protecting Victoria's coastal waters are set out in the SEPP Waters of Victoria, which was released in 1988. The policy establishes water quality objectives that need to be achieved to protect the uses Victorians want of coastal waters. Fundamental to achieving these environmental objectives is the adoption of waste minimisation, best management practices and commonly available treatment technology. Victoria's Industrial Waste Strategy, established in 1986, sets out the 'cradle to grave' approach to the management of wastes including industrial and sewage wastes.
Every person is part of the environmental problem and part of the solution.
Most wastes entering sewage treatment plants come from domestic sources, with a small amount from industrial sources. EPA and water boards are working together to encourage households and industry to reduce the amount of wastewater going to sewage treatment plants. Excessive amounts of wastewater increase the risk of sewer spills and interfere with the efficient operation of sewage treatment plants. This results in more funds being spent on enlarging treatment systems, greater difficulty in reusing treated effluent, and increased environmental harm from effluent disposal. Wasting water also increases water bills and results in extra harvesting of water from our streams.