Sewage, Wastewater and Septic Tank Odour Control

Persistent odours from sewage, wastewater and septic tank systems aren’t just a nuisance—they can cause serious complaints from surrounding communities, corrode infrastructure, and put your site at risk of non-compliance with odour regulations. At Odour Filter Solutions, we specialise in supplying high-performance odour control filters using activated carbon filtration, specifically designed for the challenging environments found across the wastewater sector.

Whether you’re managing a municipal sewage treatment plant, a decentralised septic system, or a network of pump stations and vent stacks, we can provide carbon filters that are built to withstand the corrosive and high-load conditions common to these sites. Our filters are engineered to target key odour compounds like hydrogen sulphide, mercaptans, ammonia, and a range of other organic compounds found in sewage and wastewater. These provide a dependable line of defence against off-site odour impact.

For more information about our sewage, wastewater and septic tank odour control solutions, take a look at our product range below.

Applications for Odour Control Filters in Sewage, Wastewater and Septic Infrastructure

Our carbon-based odour control systems are used across a wide range of public, commercial, and industrial wastewater settings, including:

Septic Tanks and Holding Tanks: These can be found in remote facilities and industrial estates not connected to mains drainage

Wastewater Pump Stations: To control vent emissions from wet wells, dry wells, and valve chambers

Sewage Treatment Plants: Including inlet works, sludge handling, and biofilter pre-treatment

Manholes and Sewer Vents: Reducing odour nuisance in urban or residential zones

Overflow Tanks and Balancing Tanks: Managing intermittent gas release from stormwater or surcharge events

Force Mains and Rising Mains: Where H₂S build-up in pipework results in discharge at high points or terminal chambers

Whether you’re dealing with complaints from neighbours, corrosion of metal structures, or simply aiming to improve site air quality, our carbon odour control filters provide a proven, cost-effective method to manage emissions. See our range of products below or contact us for more information.

Why Are Odour Control Systems Important for Sewage and Wastewater Applications?

When it comes to odour control for sewage and wastewater facilities, there are three main reasons why it is important to ensure your facility is keeping its systems up to date:

• Protecting Public Health and Quality of Life – Uncontrolled odours are more than just an inconvenience — they can significantly affect the well-being of those living and working nearby. Prolonged exposure to odorous emissions has been linked to increased reports of stress, headaches, nausea, and other health-related complaints. As a result, odour issues are taken seriously by both local authorities and communities.
• Environmental Impact – Odorous gases such as hydrogen sulphide and ammonia contribute to poor local air quality and can accelerate corrosion of nearby structures and equipment. Effective odour control systems help reduce the release of these pollutants, supporting environmental protection goals and creating safer, cleaner sites.
• Regulatory Compliance – Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, local councils are legally required to investigate odour complaints that may constitute a statutory nuisance. Businesses and operators of sewage, wastewater, and industrial sites must ensure they have appropriate odour mitigation measures in place to remain compliant and avoid enforcement action or reputational damage.

Replacing Your Odour Control Carbon Filter in Your Sewage System

All activated carbon filters have a finite lifespan and need to be replaced to ensure no odours seep through. The frequency of replacement will depend on operating conditions—such as flow rates, temperature, humidity, and contaminant load—but general industry guidelines suggest:

• Septic tank and holding tank vent filters: Replace every 6–12 months
• Pump stations and wet wells with forced extraction: Typically, every 12–24 months
• Overflow and attenuation tanks: Can range from annually to biennially, depending on usage

Proactive replacement is essential. We recommend scheduled inspections and either media sampling or gas detection testing to assess when filters have reached the end of their service life. You can order your replacement filters directly from our website.