What are penalties for not conforming with new septic tank request?

Reader Question: We have been told we need to install a new fosse septique at our home in Brittany following an inspection by SAUR. We have three quotes for the work but all are expensive. What do we risk if we do not install it? 

The exact sanctions will depend on the reason why the new fosse septique (septic tank) was required. 

As the request has come from authorities following a property inspection, they have it on record that you need to complete the works by a specified date, and they will likely come back after this for a follow-up inspection. Sometimes up to four years is allowed to complete the work, but in urgent cases work may be demanded immediately. 

The requirement to install a new tank can come following an examination of your property by the SPANC (Service public d'assainissement non collectif), or in your case a private company affiliated with SPANC such as SAUR, which is contracted to run waste water services by local authorities in parts of Brittany.

In the event that the property does not have a septic tank – or needs a new one because the current one does not conform to regulations – but homeowners choose not to carry out the works, fines are likely to be incurred. 

This will be set at least at the level of the commune’s redevance d'assainissement (sanitation fee), a levy usually added to water bills of homes connected up to the collective waste water system. However, it can be up to 400% the usual amount – the mairie decides.

Occasionally, the SPANC can also instruct the local authority to do the work and bill you, though this is rare.

SPANC or an authorised partner carrying out inspections have been reported to sometimes add an additional financial penalty via increased future inspection fees for a property that has not complied with regulations. These may be further increased each time another inspection is carried out and the requirements have not been met. 

Criminal prosecution is rare, but if the lack of a conforming septic tank leads to issues such as pollution via your waste water (such as from a leaky tank) you could become liable for heavy fines and up to two years prison. 

Properties can be closed or made off-limits (even to owners) in serious cases. 

Financial assistance available 

If you are happy to complete the work but are concerned about the cost, certain financial aid is possible.

Interest-free eco loans (éco-prêt à taux zéro) can reach up to €10,000 and be used for septic tank installation. They are offered by most major banks.

If you receive a pension or benefits from the Caf, they may also offer loans to cover the cost of the work. 

There are also certain financial grants you may be eligible for. 

Contact your local SPANC, as well as your mairie, to check if any grants are currently accessible. 

You have taken initiative by looking for several quotes, which may help you in your request if you can show the cost is significant compared to your household income/

In addition, contact your regional Agences d’Eau or the Agence nationale pour l’amélioration de l’habitat (ANAH) for further aid. While grants are possible, septic tanks are not usually at the top of the priority list. 

More information can be found in our article on financial grants for septic tanks.