Septic tank alternative

lottie105

Could anybody help, looking at buying a cottage, it's over 100yrs old, currently the water and waste runs into a stream and has always done so.My dilemma is according to auctioner there is not enough space from the well and boundries to put in a septic tank and percolation.Would I have any options.There is no option of ever connecting to mains

BorneTobyWilde

How much space is around the property.

Markcheese

In theory you could do a composting toilet , but it's not always a great option ..

But you'll still need to deal with waste water ,

And if there's a stream on site you'll have to keep away from that ,

Also it'd be wise to get the well water tested , it's probably a shallow well , near a stream .. mightn't be the greatest ,

If your're determined, you can not use the well for drinking water , get a really good u/v filter ,

But even with that , you probably won't have space for the percolation area from any septic treatment system ..

Markcheese

I'd assume the only person who can buy this place , is the neighbour/ farmer next door or what ever , because they have the space for a percolation area,

Chances are the estate agent knows this too . And is going through the motions .

Calahonda52

OP have a look at the EPA regs, IIRC there are smaller PA options which require annual certified maintenance.

If u plan to apply for planning, they will make u sort the septic tank/waste water.

Lumen

EPA COP is here:

https://www.epa.ie/publications/compliance--enforcement/waste-water/2021_CodeofPractice_Web.pdf

Something might be possible with tertiary treatment.

Suggest speaking to a few suppliers to see if they know a professional who has signed off similar, and then get a professional opinion.

I'd guess that options are completely different if the house has been in continuous occupation rather than derelict.

T-Maxx

Talk with the adjacent land owner with the view to buy some land off them.

Also don't discard the stream with regards to flood risk.

lottie105

Tks all for replies, think I'll avoid this, heart says yes, gut says no. The previous owner seemingly has tried to find solutions in past yrs with no luck.Just sends red flag for me, regardless of auctioner saying sure nobody has come knock on door about it 🤔