There are an estimated 440,000 on-site wastewater treatment systems (OSWTS) in Ireland treating waste water from single houses i.e. houses not connected to a public sewer system.
On-site domestic wastewater treatment systems can threaten public health and water quality when they fail to operate satisfactorily. When the wastewater is not absorbed by the soil it can form stagnant pools on the ground surface. In such failures, humans can come in contact with the wastewater and be exposed to pathogens. Foul odours can also be generated.
The effluent from an OSWTS can pose a hazard to human health and the environment, even after the treatment process, if hydraulically the wastewater cannot get away or where the soil is thin or absent then the wastewater may not be adequately treated before it comes into contact with the groundwater and therefore private wells (see Table below).
Do you know as a homeowner you are responsible under the Water Services Act for maintaining your wastewater treatment system?Did you know that maintaining your wastewater treatment system helps protects you and your neighbour’s private wells?Did you know that you should have your wastewater treatment system inspected and de-sludged on a regular basis?
If properly designed, installed and maintained, your domestic wastewater treatment system (including septic tanks) can provide long term, effective treatment of domestic wastewater (See information below on the EPA’s guidance document Code of Practice Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Systems serving Single Houses.) If you do not maintain your system it may be required to be replaced, which may cost a lot of money. A malfunctioning system can contaminate groundwater and therefore private wells, it may also result in ponding of effluent which will pose a risk of disease to children and form odours.
What you can do to improve the operation of your wastewater treatment system
The EPA has published a Code of Practice: Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Systems Serving Single Houses (p.e < 10).
The Government has introduced new legislation governing the registration, inspection and maintenance of all domestic wastewater treatment systems.
Frequently asked questions on domestic wastewater treatment systems for single houses
Existing guidance on wastewater treatment and disposal systems for single houses
Further details about the new wastewater legislation for single houses
