Homeowners with septic tanks will face a €50 registration charge under legislation, which has been published today.
The registration certificate will be valid for five years.
It will also be an offence if home owners fail to maintain their septic tank and create a risk to the environment.
Inspectors from the Environmental Protection Agency will have the power to carry out examinations of septic tanks.
If a septic tank fails this inspection homeowners can apply for a re-test within 21 days - but this could cost up to €200.
This legislation is the Government's response to a 2009 European Court of Justice ruling that found Ireland was in breach of the EU Waste Directive.
