The year 2025 is simply a breakthrough for homeowners without sewage. The largest wave of szemb control in Poland's past has begun, and the first mandates – which are worth thousands of PLN – have already been issued. If you're missing 1 key document, you can pay a fortune. The municipalities received a clear order: check each household with a septic tank at least erstwhile all 2 years. That means the control will scope any owner sooner or later. statistic from Krakow are alarming: in the first months of 2025 570 inspections were carried out there, revealing 151 offences and imposing 61 mandates for a full of PLN 14 200. That's twice as much as last year. There is no turning back – the time to prepare is now.
Problem scale and ruthless statistics
The septic wave in 2025 is effect of the amendment of the Water Law Act of July 2022, requiring municipalities to regularly check properties with septic tanks. In Krakow, in the first months of 2025, 570 inspections were carried out, revealing 151 offences and imposing 61 mandates for the full amount of PLN 14 200 (Dziennik.pl). That's twice as much as in the full 2024. akin actions took place in Lomianki (410 controls) and Nowy Targ (more than 1500 properties). It is estimated that approximately 2 million households in Poland are inactive not connected to the sewerage, and NIK has shown that 80% of septic tanks do not meet environmental standards.
Key papers you must have
During the audit, officials will require concrete documents. The most crucial thing is contract with a licensedAS company. In addition, the controllers shall require:
- Accounts and invoices confirming regular emptying of the tank for the last 2 years.
- Evidence of export frequency. A szambo with a capacity of 10 m3 for 4 people should be emptied all 2-3 months. Rareer exports will rise suspicion.
- Technical documentation of the tank. A leaky septic tank is the basis for a advanced penalty.
The absence of any of these elements can be treated as an offence, even if the services were provided (Kamal-bet).
How much will you pay for negligence? circumstantial penalties
The amount of penalties for non-compliance with the rules on septic tanks may be severe (Forsal.pl):
- 500 PLN is simply a basic mandate for the deficiency of an agreement with an assenging company or deficiency of export documentation.
- Up to PLN 5000 threatens to refuse to cooperate with controllers or hinder action. In specified situations, the case may go to court.
- Even PLN 50,000 – specified a advanced punishment threatens to neglect to connect to the sewage network if it is available in the locality. Owners are required to connect (Ekohouse).
In the event of persistent violation, judicial penalties may be even higher.
How to prepare for unannounced control?
In the face of expanding controls, it is crucial to take concrete steps now. Remember that checks may take place “any time of day and night without notice” (Well, live.) What should you do?
- Sign a contract with a licensed maintenance company.
- Organisation for exports over the last 2 years; if not, ask for duplicates.
- Check the method condition of the tank.
- Don't save on exports.
- Search for funding from the municipality to the connection or treatment plant.
Active attitude and preparation are the only way to calm down.
The Future of Shambs: Alternatives and What Next?
Long-term solutions should be considered. If your cesspool generates advanced costs, investment in a home sewage treatment plant may prove profitable. According to Farmer.pl, "although more costly in the installation, it is usually cheaper in operation and much more environmentally friendly". Purified sewage can be discharged to the ground by eliminating export costs. Municipal backing is available. Controls will increase and regulations will become stricter. The improvement of sewage networks in Poland is progressing. There's no escape from control. Prepare to avoid advanced fines.
Read more:
Do you have a cesspool? Controls in 2025 are on! Without this document, you will pay PLN 50,000.
