Septic Tank Regulation in Costa Blanca
A septic tank is a crucial component of a wastewater treatment system typically used in areas without centralized sewer systems. It is an underground chamber made of concrete, fiberglass, or plastic, designed to treat wastewater from household plumbing produced by bathrooms, kitchen drains, and laundry.
There are various types of septic tanks, with many town halls currently mandating the use of sealed models. However, regulations differ between municipalities, making it crucial to understand the specific requirements in each area.
The Valencian Community’s approach involves a blend of European, national, and regional regulations, with specific local ordinances tailored to address unique challenges in municipalities like Denia, Javea, and Oliva. This multi-level regulatory framework aims to mitigate the adverse effects of septic tanks, promoting a transition towards more sustainable and safe wastewater management systems.
Issues and Challenges
Septic tanks pose significant environmental and public health risks due to potential leaks and contamination. The challenges in the Valencian Community include:
- Ensuring compliance with regulations across diverse municipalities.
- The financial burden on property owners for sewer connections or septic tank maintenance.
- Managing older septic systems that may not meet current standards, leading to long-term environmental hazards.
- Coordinating regional and local efforts to upgrade infrastructure and enforce regulations effectively.
Local Regulations (Denia, Javea and Oliva)
Some of the municipalities we deal with on a daily basis include Denia, Javea and Oliva. Due to the remote locations of many homes in these areas, far from the main sewer network, many properties need septic tanks to store waste. However, each municipality has its own regulations and requirements regarding whether homeowners must connect to the main network or use a specific type of septic tank.
Denia
As per the Municipal Ordinances on Sewerage and Discharges and on Waste Disposal and Lot Maintenance, from March 9, 2022, it is mandatory for residents to connect their homes to the sewer network and deactivate septic tanks. Non-compliance results in fines and higher costs for emptying septic tanks.
Javea
According to the Sanitation and Wastewater Discharge Regulations, properties within 100 meters of the municipal sewer network must connect to it. If over 100 meters, alternative solutions like sealed tanks are allowed temporarily.
Costs for network extension or connection shall be borne by property owners.
Installation of sealed tanks requires specific documentation and compliance with detailed technical specifications. For this reason, we recommend you arrange this with a qualified professional.
Oliva
The Sewerage Ordinance’s aim is to protect the environment and public health by regulating discharges into the municipal sewer system.
Most rural and interior urbanizations rely on cesspools or septic tanks, with the main sewer network serving the urban and coastal areas.
Disposing of Septic Tank Waste
Finally, once your septic tank is installed following the current regulation of the corresponding municipality, you will have to hire a professional service specialising in septic tank cleaning.
We recommend that you contact a company specialised in cleaning and emptying septic tanks. These professionals have the appropriate equipment and comply with environmental regulations.
The waste disposal process will entail the following actions.
- Preparing access: Ensure that access to the septic tank is clear and accessible for the vacuum truck.
- Preliminary inspection: Before starting the emptying process, professionals will inspect the septic tank to determine the level of waste and assess its condition.
- Emptying and cleaning: Using a suction hose connected to the vacuum truck, liquid and solid waste will be extracted from the septic tank. The process may involve using high-pressure water to clean the internal walls of the tank.
- Proper disposal: The extracted waste will be transported and disposed of at a wastewater treatment plant in accordance with environmental regulations.
- Final inspection: After emptying, a final inspection is conducted to ensure that the septic tank is completely empty and in good condition.
It is important to schedule regular septic tank emptying, typically every 3 to 5 years, depending on the size of the tank and its usage, to prevent overflow problems and maintain the system’s proper functioning.
Considerations When Buying a Property
When buying a property, it is important to ask the seller or real estate agent if there is a septic tank. If the answer is affirmative and there is a septic tank, your lawyer can then investigate when it was last emptied and when it was installed, and whether it complies with the current local regulations.
It is crucial to verify if a new septic tank is required, as the costs for installing a new one, if not covered by the seller, will have to be borne by the new owner at a later stage.
Additionally, regardless of its compliance with local regulations, a specialist should assess the maintenance status of the septic tank to determine if any repairs or emptying are needed before the property is transferred.
What Happens If I Don’t Know Where the Septic Tank Is?
In such a case, it will be necessary to hire a professional who, using specific tools and mechanisms, can locate the septic tank. It is essential to identify its location since proper maintenance is fundamental to avoiding medium- and long-term problems.
Septic tanks are a common solution in certain areas of the Costa Blanca without access to centralised sewer systems, but it is crucial to follow local regulations to ensure the protection of the environment and public health. Always consult with professionals and local authorities to ensure compliance with current regulations.
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