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From Tuesday 26th June 2012 owners of domestic waste water treatment systems will be required to register their systems with their water services authority – currently the local authority. A once-off registration fee will apply starting with a reduced offer of €5 from now until 28 September 2012 which will then increase to €50 from those who register after 28th September.  Owners need to renew their registration every five years, at no cost.


Having a register of domestic water treatment systems and septic tanks enables inspections to check that systems are working properly so that water – ground, surface and drinking water - can be protected from the risks posed by malfunctioning systems. This initiative will ultimately enhance and protect public health and the environment which will, in turn, benefit rural dwellers in terms of a better quality of life and improved water quality.

How to register?
You can register and pay on-line as follows:

•    Online at www.protectourwater.ie

•    In person in the following Local Authority Offices in County Westmeath where payment can be made by cash, cheque, money order or debit / credit card:-

        County Buildings, Mullingar
        Civic Offices, Church Street, Athlone
        Civic Offices, Mullingar Road, Castlepollard
        Civic Offices, The Square, Kilbeggan

•    By post - application forms can be collected at the above local authority offices, in public libraries and Citizens Information Centres and sent by post with the registration fee to Protect our Water, PO Box 12204, Dublin 7.  Please DO NOT send cash by post.

Background:
The water services (amendment) act 2012 introduces a new registration and inspection system for septic tanks and other domestic waste water treatment systems in Ireland.  

Registration will be valid for five years and there will be no charge for re-registration. It is intended that the revenue raised will be used by the water services authorities to manage the registers and to meet the cost of having inspections carried out.  There will be no inspection charges for  households. All owners of premises connected to a domestic wastewater treatment system are required to register their systems by 1 February 2013.

How to tell if there is a problem with your system?
Some of the signs that your system may not be operating correctly are:
•    There are foul odours around the system or the percolation area;
•    There is an excessive amount of vegetation growing in the percolation area;
•    The area around the system or percolation area is soggy;
•    Your drains or toilets are running slowly or overflowing.

Inspections:
It will be a matter for the EPA to determine the level of inspections that will be required. However, as it is to be a risk-based scheme, not every system will be inspected.  In developing the inspection plan, the EPA will consider many factors, including proximity to rivers, lakes and streams (particularly drinking water sources).  

Important message regarding inspections:
Inspections under the new system will commence in 2013.  The commencement of inspections will be publicised in the national and local media. People should take care not to allow uninvited persons, or persons claiming to be inspectors, to enter onto their property in advance of the launch of inspections. People will be formally notified by their local authority if their domestic waste water treatment system is to be inspected.  Inspectors will be required to carry identification and you should ask for this to be presented to you.

The 1st of February is the deadline to register your septic tank/domestic waste water system.

Remedial grants are available but if you do not register your system before 1st Feb 2013 you will not be able to apply for financial assistance.

For more details: Registration of Septic Tanks deadline- Feb 1st 

Frequently Asked Questions

Further Information