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How to meet the general binding rules or apply for a permit if you have a septic tank or treatment plant - fees, application forms and exceptions

• Overview

  You are responsible for (the ‘operator’ of) a septic tank or sewage…

• Your property has a new discharge

  There are things you must do if your property has a ‘new discharge’ where…

• Your property has an existing discharge

  There are things you must do if your property has an existing discharge…

• General binding rules for septic tanks and small sewage treatment plants

  You must make sure your system meets the ‘general binding rules’ if you’re…

• Your property has a cesspool

  If you have a cesspool then the ‘general binding rules’ do not apply. You…

• Apply for a permit

  Only apply for a permit after you have checked: your sewage system is not…

How to meet the general binding rules if your septic tank or small sewage treatment plant releases (discharges) waste water to the ground.

• Updated: 2 October 2023

How to meet the general binding rules if your septic tank or small sewage discharge treatment plant releases (discharges) waste water to a surface water.

• Updated: 2 October 2023

Check if you're exempt from needing an environmental permit for a new closed loop ground source heating and cooling system.

• Updated: 30 September 2024

Daily discharge volume calculator for small sewage discharges from septic tanks and package treatment plants

How to assess the risks to groundwater for treated effluent discharges.

• Updated: 25 November 2020

How to comply with your permit, including maintenance, record keeping and pollution reporting requirements.

• Updated: 31 December 2014

• Updated: 13 January 2017

A guide to adapting your home or business to flooding, and how to pump water out of your property after a flood.

• Updated: 1 October 2009

Find out where SPZs are, what defines the different zones and why the Environment Agency must protect groundwater from pollution.

• Updated: 1 August 2024