Domestic Wastewater

Introduction

In this section of the website, you will find information on the treatment of wastewater from your home, where to register your wastewater treatment system (or septic tank), maintenance and desludging requirements, what grants are available and much more.

If you are the owner of a septic tank or other type of wastewater treatment system, then please click on any of the links below to find out additional information.  You can also find out about your DWWTS (Domestic Wastewater Treatment System) on the EPA’s website. 

• EPA Wastewater Treatment Systems Information

Where a new system is being planned, or an existing system being altered, it is recommended that homeowners engage a suitably qualified person at an early stage to advise on issues and compliance requirements.

Detailed infographics, factsheets, videos and features in relation to wastewater are available on the EPA’s website at

•  Wastewater EPA website Infographics    
  

If you use a septic tank or wastewater treatment system for your property, then outlined below is a summary of the key points you must remember.

• Regular inspection and maintenance is essential to protect public health and water quality. All homeowners that use Domestic Waste Water Treatment systems (DWWTS) are legally obliged to operate and maintain their DWWTS so that they do not cause a risk to human health or the environment.
• All owners of domestic wastewater treatment systems are required to register their systems at https://www.protectourwater.ie / Tel.: 1890 800 800
• The responsibly for the operation and maintenance of these systems lies with the owner of the premises connected to the treatment system.
• Systems should be de-sludged regularly and by a contractor holding a Waste Collection Permit for this purpose.  Details can be checked at the National Waste Collection Permit Office (NWCPO) Tel.: 057 9357428 or on their website at https://www.nwcpo.ie/permitsearch.aspx  Once on the website, Simply carry out a 'quick search' for 'Septic Tank de-sludging' and choose 'Kildare County' for a list of approved contractors to carry out this work.
• Exclude grease, excessive bleach or chemicals, food, disposable items (e.g. nappies/wipes) and rainwater from your system.
• Keep a record of de-sludging or service works.

Every year check your DWWTS for signs of pollution. Check for:

• Blockages in manholes
• Odours
• Ponding of wastewater
• Unusual noise
• Sewage in nearby ditches and streams