Council services

Cesspools
A cesspool is an underground tank which stores sewage until the time of disposal. Cesspools must be watertight to prevent the leakage of foul water or the ingress of groundwater. Under the provisions of the Public Health Act 1936, it is an offence to allow a cesspool to overflow or leak. If this happens the owner is liable to prosecution by a local authority.

Septic Tanks
A septic tank is a complete mini sewage system in which effluent is treated naturally by making use of bacteria to break down all the solid matter to approximately one third of its original volume.  Under the Public Health Act, 1936, it is an offence to allow a septic tank to overflow or leak. If this happens, the owner is liable to prosecution by the Local Authority.