Septic Tank and Wastewater Treatment System Inspections

Environmental Services staff from Cavan County Council are currently undertaking inspections of septic tanks/domestic wastewater treatment systems.

These inspections will try to identify systems that are not meeting the expected standard in risk areas relating to water quality impacted upon by malfunctioning systems.

When a system is functioning properly it reduces the risk to ground and surface waters, including drinking water sources.

Domestic waste water treatment systems must not cause a risk to human health or the environment.

During 2026, 33 inspections will be undertaken by Environmental Services Staff.  Many of these inspections will likely require no further action and certificates of Compliance will be issued to the relevant homeowners.

However, some inspections will require further action which may include basic measures such as desludging. 

The normal costs of ensuring a system is working properly is the responsibility of the homeowner, which includes maintaining, servicing or de-sludging a system.

Some of the other potential non-compliances noted during previous inspections undertaken included leakage from the system, ponding of effluent, roof water /surface water entering the system, unauthorised discharge from the system, etc.

For advice on how you can complete a septic tank system check and on domestic wastewater treatment systems/septic tanks go to the following link on Cavan County Council’s website for info and guidance www.cavancoco.ie/dwwts

For further information on water quality or any other queries you may have regarding protecting water quality, please contact the Environment Section of Cavan County Council on 049 437 8486 or alternatively at environ@cavancoco.ie.