Donna and Dave Faulkner bought a rundown old French farmhouse in Deux-Sevres. Giving up a comfortable life style and jobs in the UK, they’ve never been deterred by any of the major renovation jobs that making this old house warm, dry and comfortable have required. With Dave working full time in France, Donna has had to take on the responsibility of builder and decorator and learn a whole new set of skills to bring their property up to date.

One of the bigger jobs that needed to be done was dealing with the fosse septique, the septic tank systems that are so prevalent in rural France. Donna looked at all the alternatives and decided to install a microstation, here she tells us what that entailed…

This house has never had anything in the way of waste drainage and we have been coping with a compost toilet for a long time and needed it to change!

Here in La Belle France not many places actually have mains drainage, it’s a huge country and although the Government have a plan to roll out mains pipes and connections across the country – it will take time and us rural lot will probably be some of the last on the list to get it.

Traditionally most houses have a septic tank (fosse septique) which includes a filtration system for the water that comes from the house. The waste water is usually filtered over a bed of gravel and sand and can take up quite a lot of your garden or land space. After a while (usually not more than 10 years) the sand can become saturated and contaminated and needs changing which is a big job and costly. Also any land that has had a fosse drainage bed on cannot be built on in the future.

Laws have changed in the last 2 years which mean that the requirements to pass inspection by SPANC (great name) have got harder. SPANC is the Service Public d’Assainissement Non Collectiff and they are the local government agency responsible for:

Advise and assist individuals in the development of their sewerage system
Control of sewerage facilities

Because of the size and future contamination issues with fosses and not to mention the cost being higher than other types of system, France has at last approved the use of Microstations as a way of treating sewage and waste water without having the need for any filtration bed.

The local companies which are contracted to undertake all of the work for SPANC are actively trying to get more households to take up the use of microstations instead of fosse septiques in our local area.

How microstations work

All of the household waste water and sewage goes into the microstation which is usually made up of three or more internal compartments, depending on the size of property and how many people are living there.

Each compartment does a different part of the waste treatment and what comes out at the end is basically clean water that can be run off into a water course or field – not that I’d want to try and use the water for anything.

There are different options available according to what region you live in – you can check with your local town hall or SPANC office for details. I have to say for ease of comprehension and because we had some friends who used the same contractor, we did use an English speaking guy for the work.  However he had brilliant French and sorted out all the paperwork and registration of our microstation with SVL (SPANC sub contractors). This being France you can be sure there is plenty of paperwork needed and checks to be made.

Fitting a microstation in France

Before any work could commence, we had to have SVL come round and do an inspection of the land and see that the area that we had selected was suitable for the microstation. They check where the outlet pipe is going to go – it mustn’t go into a still water area i.e. a pond but into moving water or draining over a field. They also check for proximity to other houses and neighbouring boundaries and all sorts – you have to get their approval to the siting of the mircrostation before you begin. Make sure that your contractor knows the rules as ours did.

I must say it looks a bit like a battle ground in the garden. The land has been generally trashed but that was to be expected when a huge great hole gets dug.After the unit was put in, it was left open before it could be backfilled, because we had to wait for SVL to come back and inspect it and make sure that everything was ok. As we previously had a compost toilet, they opened a dossier on the house and have put it on record so in future when inspections are due we will be included. These two short visits by SVL added up to €338, not a bad hourly rate if you can get it.

The microstation needs electric to run but will cost less than €50 a year. I can cope with that. It meant we had to run a small trench to take the electric wiring. The trench doesn’t need to be deep – just deep enough to take the outlet pipe and also the electric wiring. The electrics weren’t part of the quote for installation so we needed to add that cost on. It totalled about €70 and the company that we bought the microstation from will do the connecting to the mains for us.

The finished product is all in place now and we need to rake the ground over and sow grass seed to improve the very messy area. Parts of the installation are above ground. These pipes etc. will always be above ground as they need to be able to be inspected on a regular basis by SVL. We’ve decided to disguise the installation by creating a false wooden well over the bits sticking out and a plant pot or two over the inspection portal. It’s not pretty – but for something that is essential like this we can work around it.

We placed the installation at the end of the house in an area we never use, so it won’t cause us a problem.

Costs of fitting a micro station in France

We paid €4363 for our microstation.

Installation cost us around €1600 and there were additional costs for governmental surveys (€358), pipes and electrics.

The installation contractor arranged all the official surveys – the first was 10 days before installation, the second visit was on the day installation was completed.

The total cost was around €7000 and the job took 2 days plus longer for the company to wire up the microstation to the electric power supply (included in the cost).

October 2013

SPANC website 

Fosse Septique rules and regulations in France

By Donna Faulkner, expat in France

The post Installing a Microstation in France appeared first on The Good Life France.

Anyone who has a home in France and is not connected to mains sewage will be affected by the rules, requirements and legislation affecting the Fosse Septique – the alternative means of treating waste water.

We asked the experts at a supplier of Sewage Treatment Systems the questions that everyone who has, or needs, a fosse septique or way of treating waste water in France needs to know:

Why should I be concerned about my fosse septique or lack of one?

Fosse septics and the treatment of waste water generally is a big issue at the moment due to recent rules and regulations which are forcing many home owners to install, upgrade or change their present sewage treatment systems.

What is the Fosse Septique legislation affecting domestic properties?

There are several pieces of relevant and current legislation that affect domestic properties.

The first came into effect in January 1992 and stipulated that all household waste water must be processed in the correct manner, by means of a “fosse toutes eaux” (a septic tank that accepts all waste waters) and a filtration system. Gone then were the good old days when households could drain dirty water into the surrounding soil or nearby ditch!  Responsibility for enforcing this law was given to the local communes, who, in response, created their own professional body to ensure compliance. Yet another government agency (with all its required paperwork) was born and it was called the “Service Public d’Assainissement Non Collectif” or SPANC for short.

The second came into effect in 2011 when it became a legal requirement to include a “fosse conformity certificate” in the legal package required when selling a house. This certificate, usually issued by SPANC, assesses the conformity of the existing sewage treatment system to prevailing laws and, in noting any defects found, makes both the vendor and potential purchaser aware of any remedial actions that are required.

Additionally, European Law then had its say by introducing the European Standard EN 12566-3 2005 for “Small waste water treatment systems for up to 50 PE (people equivalents)” and, subsequently it was ruled that by the end of 2012 all sewage treatment systems that discharge effluent directly into ditches or watercourses would be illegal, unless they conformed to this standard. The French, not to be outdone by Europe, added an additional criteria to this standard.

The outcome of these new legislations was that every individual sewage treatment system would, at one time or another, be inspected by SPANC to assess its’ conformity to the prevailing laws, and that all sewage treatment systems in France must conform to the French standard NF EN 12566-3+A1 (A1 being the French bit!). For those that do not comply a maximum of 12 months is given to rectify any issues or defects.

What is the SPANC France inspection?

When SPANC perform their compliance inspections they will examine various elements of your system including:

Exact location of your current Fosse and Grease Trap

Volume
Condition
Access points
Ventilation
Sludge and scum levels
Condition of the pipe work
Filtration system
Nature of the surrounding soil
Lay of the land
Proximity to any water sources, below or above ground

They will afterwards issue a report outlining any problems, this could take several weeks to come through.

Is my Fosse Septique system likely to fail?

The systems most likely to fail are:

Those that fail to collect all used water as this negates the “Fosse Toutes Eaux” requirement

Systems which cannot be located as they will be deemed as having no system at all (if this is the case speak to neighbours or previous owners as they may be able to help)

Septic tanks without an effective filtration system as they are unlikely to meet the latest European or French standards for purification.Make sure that your system is well maintained, de-sludge it or look at replacing your filter matter as this could be cheaper than replacing the whole system.

However bad your report might be you should remember that SPANC are not there to penalize individuals, they are simply tasked with surveying individual sewage treatment systems to ensure compliance with laws aimed at preventing pollution in the French waterways.

What do I do if my sewage treatment system fails the SPANC inspection?

Firstly do not panic! Not only do you have 12 months to rectify the problems, SPANC can guide you regarding the best course of action, there will usually be several rectifying options available to you and there are even financial schemes available to assist with replacement and upgrading costs. You can even continue with the sale of your house as long as you have your inspection report and the purchaser is well informed regarding any problems. The purchaser is then given 12 months to remedy the situation (this may however be a price negotiation tool that may or may not work to your advantage).

Secondly, make sure you understand why your system failed. Your future course of action depends on this and you do not want to waste time or money on unnecessary works or equipment.  Initially, speak to SPANC and most importantly DO NOT purchase any rectifying equipment without ensuring they will be happy with your solution. After all you still need to pass their inspection. We know that some SPANC officials appear unhelpful, however, they do have the information you need so keep on trying.

What are my options if I need to replace my Fosse Septique system?

There are two options, either purchase the conventional “fosse toutes eaux” with its large filter bed or purchase one of the newly approved integrated sewage treatment plants or micro-stations.

The conventional “fosse toutes eaux” with filter bed works by collecting all waste water in the fosse itself where it is separated and the lighter suspended solids are digested by aerobic bacteria and the heavier sludge waste digested by anaerobic bacteria. As this usually only results in a reduction of pollutants, germs and pathogens still remain which could pose a real threat of contamination or disease if released directly into waterways. As such the effluent then needs to pass through a filtration process where the remaining waste and toxic particles are removed before the resulting liquid  is either allowed to soak away or be siphoned off . However, there are problems with these systems. A sizeable amount of land is required for the filter bed, land that can then not be built upon. They are prone to producing odours and need to emptied by a licensed waste collector on a regular basis. Additionally the sand in the filter (there are alternatives to using a sand filter) needs to be changed regularly and this could prove expensive. The size of  the system also means that installation costs can be high.

However SPANC has recently started to approve micro-stations for use in France. These are single, compact units that collect and treat used water without the need for a large filter bed. These units are made up of numerous chambers, basically a settlement chamber for waste separation and bacterial pre-treatment, an aeration chamber where the remaining liquid effluent undergoes enhanced biologically treatment and a clarification chamber which removes any remaining fine solids before the effluent can be discharged. These systems tend to be cheaper to install, take up less land and usually do not need emptying as regularly as a conventional fosse. They do, however, normally require an electrical input.

What are my options if my fosse septique is passed but the filtration system needs upgrading?

You could look at replacing or installing a new filter bed. However, the land space required and the installation costs involved tend to make this a relatively costly option.

There is, however, an alternative to this solution as SPANC has now approved several compact filters for use in France. These are individual units that connect to your current fosse septic and which undertake both the treatment and filtration process.  These “add on” units remove the need for a large filter bed as the resulting effluent is of such a quality that it can be discharged directly into a ditch or soak-away, or indeed used to meet gardening or irrigation needs.

How do I go about replacing or upgrading my Fosse Septique system?

Whatever the outcome of your SPANC report, always speak to SPANC before any remedial action is taken. If you don’t you could waste your time, effort and money purchasing and installing equipment that may not solve the problem to their level of satisfaction.

With some idea of why your system failed and the solution you would prefer you need to find a recognised sewage treatment system installer. Look under “assainissement” in the yellow pages (Pages Jaunes); ask SPANC for recommendations or search the internet for fosse or micro-station suppliers as some of them, like “Fosse France Solutions” (www.fossefrancesolutions.com) will have a list of installers in your area. If possible get the advice off at least three installers and speak to their previous clients.

Together you should then discuss options, research the alternatives on-line and choose your preferred system. Please make sure that your system choice is on the official SPANC listing which your installer should know about. Remember, before purchasing anything, refer your proposal to SPANC to obtain their initial approval.

Obtain a quote or “devis” your from installer.  The devis should detail all the works and materials required, there should be a French version and there should be a start date for the works. The devis should also have your installers work reference (a SIRET, SARL number).

SPANC will then want all the required paperwork. In most cases you will need to complete an application form (Demande d’Installation d’un Dispositif d’Assainissement Non Collectif) which can be obtained from your local Mairie.  This will require a soil test and land survey to be undertaken and a plan of where your system will go marking any water courses, ditches, trees or obstructions etc. This is not as scary as it sounds. Most of it is logical and your installer should be able to help you. This is then sent to SPANC for their initial approval. As some SPANC officers are either traditionalists, completely unaware of the latest authorised innovations or just plain unhelpful, remember that as long as your preference is on their official list (dispositifs de traitement agréés) it cannot be rejected without a significant reason. Do not take no for an answer!

With an installer and SPANC outline approval, your next step is to purchase your system. Search the internet for the best prices and make sure you or your installer contact them direct.  Ask questions about their products, their payment process and delivery service and their warranties. Make sure the supplier has a French land line contact number, and ensure that either you or your supplier gets to speak to a real person who sounds knowledgeable on the subject. Also ensure that you get a quote for the supply of the system and that you know if taxes or delivery charges are included or not. Do everything you can to ensure your supplier is legitimate!

From there it is down to your installer but be aware that SPANC normally need to oversee the installation or upgrade at least one stage before completion.

Finally, you can forget about your fosse, filter bed, “add on” conversion system or even your wonderful up to the minute micro-station. Sit back and relax. And maybe await the next piece of French legislation, and the corresponding paperwork that might affect you!

The post Fosse Septique France – rules and requirements appeared first on The Good Life France.

Water is supplied in France by private companies and which company that will be depends on the area in which you live.

In most towns and villages the Mairie (Town Hall) oversees the commune’s water supply and you can’t choose your supplier.  A high number of local councils organise the water distribution service on an inter-communal basis – a Syndicat d’eau.

Most properties in France have their water measured by a meter, and are individually charged according to consumption.

If your meter should malfunction you will need to contact the water company in your area and if you have a leak the responsibility is yours if the leak is beyond the meter and the water company’s expense if it’s before the meter.

Meters are read at least once a year and you’ll receive an annual bill – our Syndicat d’eau does not allow for payment other than cash or cheque; other companies allow for quarterly payment on an estimated direct debit basis (prélèvement automatique) – it differs from region to region and you can check with the Mairie for details.

The cost of the water supply and service in France varies greatly from one area to another and is largely dependent on whether you have mains drainage or a septic tank – the latter being much cheaper in terms of water services. How much investment is being undertaken in water and sewerage services by the statutory agencies – the local councils and the regional water agencies – will also impact the cost of the water service.

Most properties in France can be connected to the mains water systems, but not always – isolated or very rural properties may have to rely on a well for their water and if this affects a property you are considering – check that the well doesn’t dry out in hot weather periods.

If you have to arrange a connection to the mains you should acquire an estimate for the work of digging trenches and laying pipes etc. as this could be extremely expensive.

The water company will be able to supply you with an estimate (ask for a Devis – a binding quotation).

Local authorities may impose water usage restrictions during hot weather periods – usually this will mean no topping up swimming pools, no watering gardens or washing cars. These will be publicised in the local press and on the notice boards at your Mairie.

Some people question whether the tap water is clean enough to drink and indeed there are many French people who prefer to buy bottled water.  We certainly hear from readers in rural areas who assure us that tap water is preferable. Some waters have hard water supplies that can affect taste, one reader advised she received a note from the Mairie advising householders not to use the water for cooking or indeed washing as a cow had fallen into the water supply and the water was contaminated.

You can find out about the water quality in your area from your local Mairie – information on water quality tests carried out on water supplies to local resident should be available, in fact you should receive annually a report on the quality of water in the area from water authorities issued by the Mairie to the local populace – in practice this doesn’t always happen though.

Fosse Septique – Septic Tank

Many French properties, sometimes even whole villages can’t be or don’t want to be connected to the mains drainage network.

This is generally due to the cost being too high, or the distance too great to connect to an existing sewage plant.

The alternative is for each house to have its own individual system for sewage treatment – a septic tank or fosse septique.

When buying your property, make sure that the system has been inspected and is up to all the standards – your estate agent will help you to arrange this.

Septic tanks don’t really treat waste – they store it.  It is therefore really important that septic tanks are treated with respect and that you make sure you are compliant with the regulations.

The regulatory list is long and changes from time to time and the best people to check with to make sure that you have no problems with an existing tank or with a planned or new installation are the Marie and the Service Public de l´Assainissement Non Collectif (SPANC) who regulate private sewage systems.

Make sure all waste water is going to the fosse septique.  Although years ago waste from shower water or washing machines for instance was allowed to just run into a ditch or soak away – this is not the case today – all water should go to the tank.

Only use products specifically designed to be used in the fosse septique – anything else may cause problems that mean the tank doesn’t work properly, look for specific products sutiable for use in the fosse septique and never anything with bleach in it.  Only put toilet paper down the loo – nothing else or it may cause blockages and the tank to not work properly.

Get the tank regularly emptied – it must be done at least once every 4 years by a registered pumping  company – you can find one under the section vidange fosse septique in your local yellow pages or online at www.pagesjaunes.com or ask at the Mairie.  You must ask for a certificate to prove that you have had the tank pumped and have complied by using a registered agent – many farmers traditionally perform this service but it they are not registered you can get into trouble.

Your tank can be inspected by an official from the regulatory body for sewage so make sure that you’re compliant before they arrive – if you’re not, you can be made to carry out the work or it will be carried out for you and you will receive a bill.

Read more about the rules and regulations for Fosse Septiques in France

The post Domestic water supply France appeared first on The Good Life France.