Reticulated wastewater goes to a wastewater treatment plant.
These vary from complex sludge treatment and removal systems to simple, but equally effective, oxidation ponds. Sludge from septic tanks is taken to a wastewater treatment plant.
At the plant, nutrient rich organic solid residues known as bio-solids are removed and the wastewater treated to a standard that protects public health, the local environment and waterways.
The treatment standards are set by the Otago Regional Council and are stated in the Resource Consent Council holds to dispose of wastewater.
Biosolids from Central Otago wastewater treatment plants are currently trucked to the Victoria Flats Landfill near Queenstown. New options for the treatment and removal of bio-solids are being investigated.