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 An AWTS (aerated wastewater treatment system) is used for the treatment of sewage and liquid wastes from a single household, multiple dwellings and commercial operations.

It consists of a series of treatment chambers combined with a surface or subsurface irrigation system. An AWTS enables people living in unsewered areas to treat and utilise all their wastewater. 

Wastewater from a household is treated in stages in several separate chambers.
First Chamber
The first chamber is similar to a conventional septic tank (anaerobic). The wastewater enters the chamber where the solids settle to the bottom and are retained in the tank forming a sludge layer. Scum collects at the top, and the partially clarified wastewater flows into a second chamber.

Second Chamber
Here the wastewater is mixed with air to assist bacteria to further treat it by breaking down the waste into smaller particle sizes.

Third Chamber
A third chamber allows additional clarification through the settling of solids. These solids are returned to the primary tank by a sludge return pump for further treatment to either the septic chamber or to the aeration chamber.

Sanitation of Water
The clarified effluent is disinfected from the clarification chamber to the pump out chamber by chlorine tablets. If the system is fitted with an ultra violet light for sanitation of waste water it is introduced after the water pump to the irrigated area.

Bacteria in the first chamber break down the solid matter in the sludge and scum layers. Material that cannot be fully broken down gradually builds up in the chamber and must be pumped out periodically. Maximum of 4 years for any system.

Having an AWTS system means you can use the reclaimed effluent water (if treated correctly). This recycle water can be used to water plants and grass (not vegetables or fruit trees). With sewage, you can not reuse your water, but with a septic system you can reuse the water. This is especially good if you have a water tank and need to preserve water. The reclaimed effluent is good for watering your plants as it has extra nutrients from our waste. ​ 

• Have your AWTS inspected four times per year. Assessment should be applicable to the system design.
  
• Have your system service including assessment of sludge and scum levels in all tanks, and performance of irrigation areas.
  
• Have all your tanks desludged at least every three years.
  
• Have your disinfection chamber inspected and tested quarterly to ensure correct disinfectant levels.
  
• Have your grease trap (if installed) cleaned out at least every two months.
  
• Learn the location and layout of your AWTS and land application area.
  
• Use biodegradable liquid detergents such as concentrates with low sodium and phosphorous levels.

• Don't put bleaches, disinfectants, whiteners, nappy soakers and spot removers in large quantities into your AWTS via the sink, washing machine or toilet.
  
• Don't allow any foreign materials such as nappies, sanitary napkins, condoms and other hygiene products to enter the system.
  
• Don't put products such as hair dye, Napisan, Domestos, cooking oils, mentholated spirits, turps or excess fats into the system.
  
• Don't use more than the recommended amounts of detergents.
  
• Don’t put fats and oils down the drain and keep food waste out of your system.
  
• Don't switch off power to the AWTS, even if you are going on holidays.