Finspångs Tekniska is responsible for operating and maintaining the municipal sewerage network and wastewater treatment plants. Finspång Municipality handles permits, notifications and supervision relating to private wastewater systems.

Most properties in Finspång Municipality are connected to the municipal water and sewerage network. Some properties, particularly those outside the municipal service area, have a private wastewater system.

Municipal sewerage

Finspångs Tekniska operates and maintains the municipal sewerage network and the municipality’s wastewater treatment plants.

Wastewater from toilets, sinks, showers, washing machines and dishwashers is transported through the sewerage network to a treatment plant. The water is treated before it is released back into the environment.

For information about the municipal sewerage network, connection options, charges and technical requirements, contact Finspångs Tekniska.

Private wastewater systems

A private wastewater system is a system that is not connected to the municipal sewerage network.

Before installing a private wastewater system, you must apply for a permit from the Building and Environment Unit. In some cases, submitting a notification may be sufficient.

The application or notification must be processed before any installation work begins. You must also submit an application if you plan to make significant changes to an existing system.

These requirements apply to permanent homes and holiday homes that have running water or wastewater pipes leading out of the building.

Why wastewater must be treated

Water from toilets, sinks, showers, washing machines and dishwashers becomes wastewater.

Wastewater must be treated before it is released into the environment. Untreated or poorly treated wastewater may contain bacteria, viruses, nutrients and chemical residues. It can pollute groundwater, lakes and watercourses and may affect both human health and the environment.

A properly functioning wastewater system also helps protect private drinking water wells, including your own well and those belonging to neighbouring properties.

Choosing and installing a wastewater system

Different types of private wastewater systems may be suitable for different properties. The system must meet the environmental and health requirements that apply to the location.

It may be helpful to consult a qualified contractor or adviser before choosing a system.

Once the installation has been completed, an installation report and photographs must be submitted to the municipality. The property owner is responsible for ensuring that the report is submitted, even if a contractor completes it.

You must also inform Finspångs Tekniska when the wastewater system is put into use so that a septic tank emptying service can be started.

Your responsibilities as a property owner

If your property has a private wastewater system, you are responsible for:

• ensuring that the system treats wastewater adequately
• operating and maintaining the system correctly
• preventing harm to human health or the environment
• arranging compulsory septic tank emptying
• correcting any faults identified during an inspection

The Building and Environment Unit regularly inspects private wastewater systems. If the system does not provide sufficient treatment, the property owner may be required to improve or replace it within a specified period.

Environmental penalty charge

You may be required to pay an environmental penalty charge if you:

• install a private wastewater system without the required permit or notification
• connect a flush toilet to an existing system without the required permit

Do not begin the work until your application or notification has been processed.

Septic tank emptying

Emptying private wastewater tanks and septic systems is compulsory. It may only be carried out by the contractor appointed by Finspångs Tekniska.

The normal emptying interval depends on the type of system:

• a three-chamber septic tank is normally emptied at least once a year
• a greywater tank is normally emptied every 2 years
• a sealed tank is emptied when required

The property owner is responsible for ensuring that the system is accessible and can be emptied safely.

Composting toilets and other dry toilets

You must notify the Environmental Unit before installing a composting toilet or another type of dry toilet.

You may also apply for permission to manage latrine or urine waste on your own property. The municipality charges a fee for processing the application or notification.

Temporary suspension of latrine collection

You may apply for a temporary suspension of latrine collection if the property will not be used for an extended period.

The municipality charges a fee for processing the application.