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Private sewage system
If you live outside the municipal sewage system, you need a private sewage system. It must be properly built, well maintained, and inspected to protect the environment.
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When is a permit or notification required?
You must always contact the Environment and Building Unit before building a new sewage system or making changes to an existing one.
- If a toilet is connected to the system, a permit is required.
- If the system only handles bath, dish, and laundry water (greywater), a notification is enough.
- Changes to existing sewage systems must also be reported.
If the application is complete, you will normally receive a decision within six weeks. It is therefore best to contact the municipality well in advance when planning a project.
Protection levels and requirements
All sewage systems must treat wastewater in a way that protects people and the environment. The municipality decides which protection level applies to your property.
- A normal protection level applies in most areas and sets the basic treatment requirements.
- A high protection level is required in sensitive areas, for example near drinking water sources or bathing areas. Here, extra treatment of phosphorus and nitrogen is required, along with special measures against contamination.
The purpose of the protection levels is to reduce the risk of eutrophication and pollution of our watercourses.
Technical solutions
There are several ways to treat wastewater outside the municipal network. The most suitable solution depends on the conditions of the property and the applicable protection level.
Common solutions include infiltration or sand filters, where the water is purified in the ground. There are also technical systems such as small treatment plants and sealed tanks. In some cases, a dry toilet or composting toilet may be an alternative. For greywater only, a special greywater system can be built.
Fees
The municipality charges a fee for processing your application or notification. The cost is based on the scope of the case and the processing time.
Certificate of completion
When your new system is ready for use, you must submit a certificate of completion to the municipality. This confirms that the work has been carried out according to the regulations.
Operation and maintenance
Once installed, the system must be properly maintained. A septic tank must be emptied at least once a year, and only the municipality or its contractor is allowed to carry out the emptying. Your system must be sealed, correctly located, and in good condition to avoid contamination of drinking water or nearby lakes and watercourses.
Supervision and inspection
The municipality regularly inspects private sewage systems. If your system does not meet the requirements, you may be required to make improvements or, in the worst case, stop using it.
Taking a system out of use
If you no longer plan to use your sewage system, you must first contact the Environment and Building Committee. The system must be emptied one final time and disconnected from the house. The septic tank can then be filled in or removed, and the land restored. The work must be documented with photos and a written report. Once approved by the municipality, the system will be removed from the emptying register.
FORMS
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Contact
Environment and building unit
E-mail: mob@boden.se
Phone: +46 921 620 00