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Inspection of on-site wastewater systems for cleaner water
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 inspections
Why
Old or faulty systems release nutrients, bacteria and hazardous substances that pollute lakes, streams and wells.
Situation in Boden
There are about 3,400 small on-site systems. Previous surveys show roughly seventy-five percent do not meet current treatment standards.
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. Inspections are like recurring safety checks to verify function.
Rate your system – green, amber or red
- Green system
Has a valid permit and meets current treatment standards. The septic tank and subsequent treatment step function as intended. Low risk to health and the environment. Requires only normal maintenance such as regular sludge removal. - Amber 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 upgrades, for example additional treatment. - Red system
Has no valid permit or is very old (often more than thirty years). Lacks required treatment steps or is in poor condition. Clear risk to health and the environment. Must be replaced with a new system or taken out of use.
Before an inspection
You will receive an information letter and a questionnaire to assess the condition of your system. Respond on time and keep the documents.
Voluntary action before inspection
If you see deficiencies, you can apply to install a new system or decommission the existing one. Document the action (for example with photos) and submit your notification to the municipal environment and building unit. When the action is approved, the system is removed from the sludge-emptying register.
During and after an inspection
Function is checked against the requirements. You receive a report. If deficiencies are found, an order or prohibition is issued with a deadline, typically two years, to remedy the issues.
Process and timetable
Completed areas
2018: Degerselet, Sörbyn, Sundsnäs, Lassbyn, Gunnarsbyn, Holmsvattnet, Mjövattnet, Degervattentjärn.
2019: Along the River Råne from Överstbyn and Rörån up to Holmsvattensel, and the ridges Flakabergsåsen and Livasudden.
2020: Gunnarsdjupträsket, Forsträsk, Forsträskhed, Lappträsket, Norriån, Abramsån, Upper Flåsjön, Åträsk.
2023: River Lule, stage 1.
Upcoming areas
2025–2029: River Lule, stages 2–5.
2030–2037: Other areas in the municipality.
Survey of small systems along the River Lule
All properties within about one thousand metres of the River Lule (within Boden Municipality) will be surveyed. The survey is carried out in five stages with about two hundred properties in each. Property owners are informed about one year in advance and receive a questionnaire about water and wastewater conditions.
Small systems near the River Lule – risk overview
Within about one kilometre of the River Lule there are around one thousand properties without municipal sewer connection that have not yet been surveyed. The large number of small systems poses a risk of contaminating the main drinking water sources for Boden and Luleå, private wells and bathing waters.
Measures, costs and benefits
Common deficiencies
Many systems are about thirty years old or more and lack a subsequent treatment step.
Examples of measures
- Holiday homes with only bath, dish and laundry water can often use a greywater filter.
- Mixed wastewater (bath, dish, laundry and toilet) requires more advanced treatment based on site conditions.
Costs
Costs depend on soil conditions, chosen technology and the volume of wastewater. Request quotes from several contractors.
Environmental and health benefits
Upgraded systems reduce eutrophication, protect drinking water and lower the risk of illness. The work supports the national environmental goals “No Eutrophication” and “Good-quality Groundwater” and the European Union Water Framework Directive. The goal is acceptable standards for all small on-site systems by 2030.
Do you want to access a specific document? Contact Citizen Service, and we will help you retrieve and read the full document.
Contact
Environment and Building Unit
E-mail: mob@boden.se
Phone: +46 921 620 00