NOTICE TO SEPTIC TANK OWNERS
Kildare County Council wishes to advise all homeowners that use a septic tank or wastewater treatment system that they are legally obliged to operate and maintain their DWWTS (domestic waste water treatment system) so that they do not cause a risk to human health or the environment.
Poorly maintained systems can pollute watercourses and drinking water supplies particularly from private wells.
Every year check your DWWTS for signs of sewage. Check for:
- Blockages in manholes
- Unwanted pools of water (ponding)
- Odours
- Noise
- Sewage in nearby ditches and streams
Only waste contractors with a valid Waste Collection Permit to remove septic tank sludge may be used to empty your DWWTS. You must keep records of sludge removal and servicing for five years.
If you are a farmer you may spread the sludge for your septic tank on your own land but only in accordance with the Waste Management (Use of Sewage Sludge in Agriculture) Regulations and with a Nutrient Management Plan prepared by your agricultural advisor.
Homeowners are required by law to register their DWWTS with Protect Our Water. To check if your DWWTS is registered contact ‘Protect Our Water’ directly by phone on 1890 800 800 or by email at support@pow.ie
More information on how to properly maintain your DWWTS is available on the Council’s website at https://www.kildarecoco.ie/AllServices/Environment/WasteWater
Or alternatively you may contact the Environment Section, Kildare County Council on 045-980588 or by email at environwastewater@kildarecoco.ie
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.
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
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 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.
The owner of the system is required to ensure that the treatment system does not present a risk to human health or the environment.