The authorities around a domestic wastewater treatment plant can look complicated, because construction, water management and often neighbour relations meet in one place. The basic advice is simple: do not start by buying a treatment plant. First check which solution is possible at the site.
First find out whether public sewerage is available and whether the operator has capacity to connect you. If connection is not possible, a designer should check whether discharge to surface water, groundwater or another solution is feasible. Only then does it make sense to choose a specific technology.
Typical steps in the Czech Republic
- Ask the municipality or sewerage operator whether connection is possible.
- Contact a water infrastructure designer and have the local conditions assessed.
- Discuss the intention with the relevant Czech authority in advance, especially if water will be discharged to surface water or groundwater.
- Prepare the design and applications according to current Czech building and water law.
- After completion, operate the plant according to the decision, the manufacturer's instructions and the stated duties.
Important change: The older simple split between a building permit and a “notified” domestic WWTP no longer applies to new projects. The former notification regime for water works under Section 15a of the Czech Water Act has been repealed. For new projects, always check the current procedure with the relevant Czech building or water authority.