Local authorities do not register septic tanks. To register your septic tank, or to obtain records of registration please contact Protect Our Water directly.
Visit: protectourwater.ie
Telephone: 01-6438484 services available between 10:00 to 14.00.
Domestic wastewater treatment systems (including septic tanks) information and advice
Some householders in Ireland have a domestic wastewater treatment system (DWWTS) to collect, treat and discharge their wastewater. Septic tanks are one type of DWWTS. If your tank is not working properly, it can contaminate private wells or water sources. Contaminated water from DWWTSs can carry pathogens (bacteria, germs and bugs) and harmful chemicals that can cause serious illness. It can cause damage to the environment.
Further information on how to look after your septic tank/DWWTS click here
Desludging of septic tanks/domestic wastewater treatment systems
It is your responsibility to keep your DWWTS in working order and regularly de sludge the tank. You can only use a licenced contractor to empty your septic tank.
A list of contractors allowed to empty septic tanks / DWWTS is available at www.nwcpo.ie
Information for farmers on how to safely spread sludge from their own tanks on their own land is available here:
Wells
Private well water supplies are at particular risk of pollution from septic tanks as they depend on good quality water coming directly from the ground. An information leaflet on how to protect the well can be found here:
National inspection plan
Galway County Council carry out inspections each year under the EPA National Inspection Plan. Householders cannot request for an inspection to be carried out by the Local Authority unless a letter from LAWPRO has been received. This must confirm eligibility or the property in question is within a High-Status Objective Catchment Area (check map here: High Status Objective Catchment Areas)
For Information on a Septic Tank Inspection click here:
Further information relating to septic tanks
Domestic wastewater treatment systems registration
Septic tank regulations and enforcement
Septic Tank Regulations and Enforcement
The Water Services Act, 2007 and Water Services (Amendment) Act 2012 provide for the National Inspection Plan and the Grant Scheme.
The regulations underpinning the different grant schemes are: -
Housing (Domestic Waste Water Treatment Systems Grant under the National Inspection Plan) Regulations 2023
Housing (Domestic Waste Water Treatment Systems Grant for Prioritised Areas for Action) Regulations 2023
Housing (Domestic Waste Water Treatment Systems Grant for High Status Objective Catchment Areas) Regulations 2023
It is an offence not to comply with an advisory notice. The Environment Department will act under the Water Service Act to secure compliance.
Septic tank grant
There are grants available to help householders with the cost of works for the remediation, repair, upgrade or replacement of a domestic wastewater treatment system (DWTTS) serving a house. You can be eligible to apply for a grant if you meet the criteria set out in the Terms and Conditions for the Scheme.
There are 3 different grants schemes available: -
- DWWTS grant under the National Inspection
- DWWTS grant in Prioritised Areas for Action
- DWWTS grant in High Status objective Catchment Area
Additional Information:
Contact our Environment team
Address
Environment Department
Áras an Chontae
Prospect Hill
Co. Galway
H91 H6KX
Email and urls
Phone numbers
Phone
Office hours
Sunday Closed
Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Saturday Closed