Polish towns tighten inspections of private sewage tanks, fines up to 5,000 zł

The municipality of Gmina Kraśnik has launched a new cycle of inspections of owners of non‑septic tanks and household sewage treatment plants. Inspectors check contracts with licensed empty‑tank companies and proof of payment for waste removal. Owners who fail to present the required documents may be fined 500 zł, with court‑imposed penalties reaching up to 5,000 zł, and can be subjected to on‑site checks.

Across other Polish municipalities and water‑utility companies, similar checks are being carried out on private properties to detect illegal connections that divert rainwater, meltwater or drainage directly into the sanitary sewer system. Inspectors use smoke‑testing methods to reveal improperly linked pipes. Violations can result in fines of up to 10,000 zł. The measures aim to prevent overload of sanitary sewers, which are designed for household wastewater rather than surface runoff.