Wastewater treatment systems (also known as septic tanks, wastewater treatment plants, and sewage treatment plants) are essential for properties where connection to a main sewer is not possible, including homes, farms, schools, hospitals, hotels, airports, industrial buildings, residential areas, and other businesses in Ireland. You need to be able to safely treat and dispose of your wastewater to get planning permission for new and existing developments.

The cost of installing a septic tank or wastewater treatment system can vary significantly based on the type of project and its specific requirements. For domestic installations, costs typically range between €4,000+VAT and €8,000+VAT, depending on the size of the tank, the treatment technology, and site conditions.

Commercial wastewater treatment systems, however, tend to be more complex and can vary widely in price due to factors such as the scale of the installation, the equipment needed, and any ancillary works required to support the system.

Projects for new builds often have fewer complications since they can be designed to integrate with the property from the start, while retrofitting systems for existing properties may involve additional challenges like adjusting for limited space, resolving site-specific issues, or upgrading old infrastructure. Ultimately, the final cost is influenced by both the technical requirements of the system and the unique conditions of the site.

Both treat the wastewater generated by your home or business, but there are some key differences. A septic tank is very basic and has no technology, which works great for some projects, but when you have poor ground conditions or limited space available, the only option is a more advanced secondary wastewater treatment system. 

Septic tanks are “primary” wastewater treatment, and wastewater treatment systems are “secondary” wastewater treatment. Secondary wastewater treatment systems treat the wastewater to a higher standard before discharging it back to groundwater, which allows your percolation area to be smaller to comply with separation distances, EPA guidelines, and local county council regulations.

The phrases “wastewater treatment plant” and “sewage treatment plant” are used interchangeably to describe the same type of systems.

Domestic on-site wastewater treatment systems, including septic tanks, wastewater treatment plants, and sewage treatment plants, are suitable up to a population equivalent of 10PE. Anything over 10PE would be considered commercial; however, there are exceptions to every rule, and sometimes a smaller system is perfect for commercial projects depending on the site-specific circumstances.

The suitability of a septic tank or wastewater treatment system for your project depends on the results of an EPA site suitability assessment, which evaluates the soil type, percolation rates, and site conditions for domestic projects. For commercial projects, additional tests or approvals may be required by local authorities.

For domestic projects, it depends on how many bedrooms are in the house, and for commercial projects, a more advanced calculation is used to determine the hydraulic and organic loadings. For example, a 3 bedroom house would require a 5PE wastewater treatment system.

An EPA site suitability assessment determines the type of wastewater treatment system and percolation area required for domestic projects, while commercial projects may require additional tests to comply with local county council regulations. Septic tanks are typically paired with traditional gravity trenches, which require the largest amount of space for proper percolation and treatment.

In contrast, wastewater treatment systems offer greater flexibility and can be used with gravity trenches, low-pressure pipe networks, or tertiary filters. Tertiary filters provide the most advanced level of wastewater treatment available, offering superior filtration and environmental protection while requiring the smallest footprint, making them an excellent choice for properties with limited space.

Our wastewater treatment systems are not only designed to be energy efficient and protect the environment but are also made from 100% recycled plastic materials. This ensures that, in addition to reducing wastewater pollution, we contribute to reducing plastic waste and promoting a circular economy. By choosing our systems, you’re making an eco-friendly choice that benefits the planet in multiple ways.

For most domestic projects, it takes between 1 and 3 days to install the on-site wastewater treatment system (including the percolation area). Larger commercial projects are more complex, and the installation takes longer.

In Ireland, septic tanks and wastewater treatment systems must be manufactured in accordance with EN12566 certification, the EPA Code of Practice 2021, S.R. 66:2015, and the Building Regulations Technical Guidance Document H. Additionally, your wastewater tank and percolation area must be installed as specified in your site assessment and planning application, ensuring compliance with the requirements set by your local county council.

For commercial projects, a discharge license may sometimes be required, and these installations typically involve engineers working closely with the local authority during the planning stage to ensure full compliance with all applicable guidelines and regulations.