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Inspection of on-site wastewater systems
How we inspect small on-site systems to protect land, waterways and drinking water.
Updated:
Quick summary of each heading on the page
Please note that all forms, digital applications (e-services) and some linked websites are currently in Swedish. Contact Citizen Service if you need help in English.
About the supervision
Faulty wastewater systems can pollute lakes, watercourses and drinking water. The Environment and Building Committee is responsible for supervising small and individual wastewater systems and ensuring they meet current treatment standards.
The supervision works much like a vehicle inspection or chimney sweeping – it needs to be carried out regularly. Previous surveys show that approximately 75 per cent of small wastewater systems do not meet today’s treatment requirements.
Funding and fee
The inspections are not tax funded. An inspection fee is charged according to the municipal tariff.
Property owner’s responsibility
You are responsible for ensuring your system works and meets the requirements. You should therefore carry out regular checks of your system.
Rate your system – green, amber or red
- Green system
Has a valid permit and meets current treatment standards. The wastewater facility functions well. Low risk to health and the environment. Requires only normal maintenance such as regular sludge removal. - Yellow system
Has a permit but does not fully meet today’s standards. May lack a subsequent treatment step or have functional shortcomings. Some risk to the environment or nearby wells. Needs to be completed or improved. Contact the municipality if you are considering improving your system. - Red system
Has no valid permit. Lacks required treatment steps or is in poor condition. Risk to health and the environment. Must be replaced with a new system or taken out of use.
Inspection
Before the inspection
When it is time to inspect your wastewater system, you will receive an information letter and a questionnaire for your own assessment of the system’s condition. You have the opportunity to attend the inspection.
Your own preparations before inspection
If you have a heavy manhole cover, you need to remove it before the inspection or replace it. An additional fee is charged at sludge emptying if the manhole cover is heavy.
If you are not attending the inspection, it is important that you clearly mark the location of the wastewater system, for example with a marker pole or stake.
You may also contact the Environment and Building Unit for advice regarding your wastewater system. If you identify deficiencies, you can apply for a new system or take the existing system out of use.
During and after the inspection
During the inspection, we check that the wastewater system functions properly and meets applicable requirements. After the visit, you will receive an inspection report and have the opportunity to submit comments.
If deficiencies are identified, the Committee may issue an injunction or prohibition with a time limit for corrective action. You have the right to appeal the decision.
When is it time?
Upcoming areas
2026–2029: Lule River, stages 3–5.
Completed areas
2018–2020: Råne River, stages 1–3.
2023–2025: Lule River, stages 1–2.
Contact
Environment and Building Unit
E-mail: mob@boden.se
Phone: +46 921 620 00