I own a newly built house and I have set up a septic tank since the property is not connected to the main public sewer.It is mainly for domestic purposes from a toilet and kitchen. Do i need to apply for a permit or a licence to own it?

If your house or business is not connected to the mains sewer, your sewage will go to one of the following:

Septic tanks and treatment plants: permits and general binding rules

Overview

a septic tank - an underground tank where the solids sink to the bottom and the liquid flows out and soaks through the ground

a small sewage treatment plant (also known as a package treatment plant) - a part-mechanical system that treats the liquid so it’s clean enough to go into a river or stream

a cesspool (also called a cesspit) - a sealed tank that collects the sewage

a non-standard system, such as a reed bed or trench arch system

There are different rules for septic tanks and treatment plants in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

You have a non-standard system

You must contact the Environment Agency to find out if you need a permit.

You have a septic tank or small sewage treatment plant

As the ‘operator’ of a septic tank or small sewage treatment plant you must check you meet the general binding rules. You must apply for a permit if you do not.

You’re an operator if any of the following is true:

you own the property that uses the system

you own a property that shares the system with other properties - each property owner is an operator, and you’re jointly responsible for complying with the general binding rules

you have a written agreement with the property owner that says you’re responsible for the system’s maintenance, for example you’re renting and it’s in your tenancy agreement

Contact the Environment Agency if you’re not sure whether you’re an operator.

The general binding rules

You must follow the general binding rules if you’re the operator of a septic tank or small sewage treatment plant.

The sewage must:

be domestic in nature, for example from a toilet, bathroom, shower or kitchen of a house, flat or business (such as a pub, hotel or office) - contact the Environment Agency if you’re not sure if the sewage is domestic in nature

not cause pollution - find out how to check for pollution

There are other rules depending on whether you’re releasing this sewage:

to the ground, for example in your back garden

to a surface water, for example a river or stream

Ask your local installation or maintenance company if you’re not sure what sort of system you have.

Releasing to the ground

You must use a septic tank or a small sewage treatment plant and a drainage field (infiltration system).

You must apply for a permit if you release (‘discharge’):

to a well, borehole or other deep structure

more than 2 cubic metres (2,000 litres) per day

in a groundwater source protection zone (SPZ1)

You must also read the additional rules for discharging sewage to the ground.

Calculate how much sewage you discharge

For sewage from a residential property, use the calculator to work out how much you discharge per day.

For commercial properties (such as a hotel, restaurant or office) or holiday accommodation (such as a cottage or chalet), use British Water’s flows and loads guidance or contact the Environment Agency for advice.

Work out if you’re in a groundwater source protection zone 1 (SPZ1)

An SPZ1 can be either:

the area around a commercial water supply shown on the map of protected zones - check whether your discharge is in the inner zone (Zone 1) or ask the Environment Agency

any area within 50 metres of a private water supply for human consumption - ask your neighbours if they have a spring, well or borehole, and how far it is from your drainage field

Releasing to a surface water

You must use a small sewage treatment plant. You must apply for a permit if you’re discharging more than 5 cubic metres (5,000 litres) per day. Use the calculator to work out how much you discharge per day.

You must also read the additional rules for discharging sewage to a surface water.

Installing a new system

You must have building regulations approval. You may also need planning permission.

Check with your local council.

If you did not get permission and approval

You must apply retrospectively for building regulations approval. You may also need planning permission.

If your system was installed before 1 January 2015, you should contact your local council for advice.

Apply for a permit

You’ll need a permit if you do not meet the general binding rules.

The form you need to fill in depends on:

where you discharge the sewage

how much you discharge

If you discharge sewage to ground

There are different forms depending on whether you’re in a groundwater protection zone (SPZ1).

Outside an SPZ1

There are different forms if you discharge:

between 2 and 15 cubic metres per day

over 15 cubic metres per day

Inside an SPZ1

If you discharge less than 2 cubic metres per day there are different forms:

for systems in use before 1 January 2015

for those installed on or after 1 January 2015

between 2 and 15 cubic metres per day

over 15 cubic metres per day

If you discharge sewage to a surface water

If you discharge between 5 and 20 cubic metres per day, check if you can apply for a standard rules permit.

If you cannot get a standard rules permit, you’ll need a permit to discharge:

up to 20 cubic metres

over 20 cubic metres

Before you start

You need:

the 8-figure grid reference for your septic tank or treatment plant and the point where it discharges

to calculate the largest amount you’re likely to discharge - use one of the calculators in the chapter on the general binding rules

to provide a suitable site plan – see an example site plan

Application fees

Your application fee depends on whether your site is a domestic household, charity or another type of organisation.

You’re discharging to ground

The application fee for domestic households and charities to discharge up to 5,000 litres (5 cubic metres) per day is £125.

The fees are different for other organisations.

Size of discharge per day | Fee

Up to 15,000 litres (15 cubic metres) | £2,708

Over 15,000 litres (15 cubic metres) | £5,699

Any volume that contains specific substances | £6,052

You’re discharging to a surface water

Size of discharge per day | Fee

Up to 5,000 litres (5 cubic metres) | £2,534

Between 5,000 litres (5 cubic metres) and 50,000 litres (50 cubic metres) | £4,170

Any volume that contains specific substances | £7,649

Annual fees

There’s an annual subsistence fee for sites that are not domestic households or charities.

Size of discharge per day | Fee

Up to 5,000 litres | £251

Between 5,000 litres and 20,000 litres with operator self monitoring | £823

Between 5,000 litres and 20,000 litres | £890

Between 20,000 litres and 50,000 litres with operator self monitoring | £1,310

How long it takes

You should get a decision on your application within 13 weeks.

You’ll be told if your application may take longer, for example because of planning issues.

Your application is refused

If your application is refused, you’ll be told:

the reasons for refusal

how you can appeal

Complying with your permit

See the guidance on how to comply with your permit, including maintenance, record keeping and pollution reporting requirements.

Get help

You can ask the Environment Agency for help with your application.

You have a cesspool

You do not have to comply with the general binding rules or apply for a permit.

You must maintain your cesspool and make sure it:

is emptied regularly (for example once a month) by a registered waste carrier

does not leak or overflow

The Environment Agency or your local council can make you repair or replace your cesspool if it’s in poor condition.

If you install a new cesspool

You must:

get planning permission and building regulations approval

make sure it has a minimum capacity of 18,000 litres per 2 users (plus another 6,800 litres per each extra user)

Contact

a septic tank - an underground tank where the solids sink to the bottom and the liquid flows out and soaks through the ground

Overview

If your house or business is not connected to the mains sewer, your sewage will go to one of the following:

a cesspool (also called a cesspit) - a sealed tank that collects the sewage

a non-standard system, such as a reed bed or trench arch system

There are different rules for septic tanks and treatment plants in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

You have a non-standard system

You must contact the Environment Agency to find out if you need a permit.

You have a septic tank or small sewage treatment plant

As the ‘operator’ of a septic tank or small sewage treatment plant you must check you meet the general binding rules. You must apply for a permit if you do not.

You’re an operator if any of the following is true:

you own the property that uses the system

Contact the Environment Agency if you’re not sure whether you’re an operator.

The general binding rules

You must follow the general binding rules if you’re the operator of a septic tank or small sewage treatment plant.

The sewage must:

not cause pollution - find out how to check for pollution

There are other rules depending on whether you’re releasing this sewage:

to the ground, for example in your back garden

to a surface water, for example a river or stream

Ask your local installation or maintenance company if you’re not sure what sort of system you have.

Releasing to the ground

You must use a septic tank or a small sewage treatment plant and a drainage field (infiltration system).

You must apply for a permit if you release (‘discharge’):

to a well, borehole or other deep structure

more than 2 cubic metres (2,000 litres) per day

in a groundwater source protection zone (SPZ1)

You must also read the additional rules for discharging sewage to the ground.

Calculate how much sewage you discharge

For sewage from a residential property, use the calculator to work out how much you discharge per day.

Work out if you’re in a groundwater source protection zone 1 (SPZ1)

An SPZ1 can be either:

Releasing to a surface water

You must also read the additional rules for discharging sewage to a surface water.

Installing a new system

You must have building regulations approval. You may also need planning permission.

Check with your local council.

If you did not get permission and approval

You must apply retrospectively for building regulations approval. You may also need planning permission.

If your system was installed before 1 January 2015, you should contact your local council for advice.

Apply for a permit

You’ll need a permit if you do not meet the general binding rules.

The form you need to fill in depends on:

where you discharge the sewage

how much you discharge

If you discharge sewage to ground

There are different forms depending on whether you’re in a groundwater protection zone (SPZ1).

Outside an SPZ1

There are different forms if you discharge:

between 2 and 15 cubic metres per day

over 15 cubic metres per day

Inside an SPZ1

If you discharge less than 2 cubic metres per day there are different forms:

for systems in use before 1 January 2015

for those installed on or after 1 January 2015

between 2 and 15 cubic metres per day

over 15 cubic metres per day

If you discharge sewage to a surface water

If you discharge between 5 and 20 cubic metres per day, check if you can apply for a standard rules permit.

If you cannot get a standard rules permit, you’ll need a permit to discharge:

up to 20 cubic metres

over 20 cubic metres

Before you start

You need:

the 8-figure grid reference for your septic tank or treatment plant and the point where it discharges

to calculate the largest amount you’re likely to discharge - use one of the calculators in the chapter on the general binding rules

to provide a suitable site plan – see an example site plan

Application fees

Your application fee depends on whether your site is a domestic household, charity or another type of organisation.

You’re discharging to ground

The application fee for domestic households and charities to discharge up to 5,000 litres (5 cubic metres) per day is £125.

The fees are different for other organisations.

Size of discharge per day | Fee

Up to 15,000 litres (15 cubic metres) | £2,708

Over 15,000 litres (15 cubic metres) | £5,699

Any volume that contains specific substances | £6,052

You’re discharging to a surface water

Size of discharge per day | Fee

Up to 5,000 litres (5 cubic metres) | £2,534

Between 5,000 litres (5 cubic metres) and 50,000 litres (50 cubic metres) | £4,170

Any volume that contains specific substances | £7,649

Annual fees

There’s an annual subsistence fee for sites that are not domestic households or charities.

Size of discharge per day | Fee

Up to 5,000 litres | £251

Between 5,000 litres and 20,000 litres with operator self monitoring | £823

Between 5,000 litres and 20,000 litres | £890

Between 20,000 litres and 50,000 litres with operator self monitoring | £1,310

How long it takes

You should get a decision on your application within 13 weeks.

You’ll be told if your application may take longer, for example because of planning issues.

Your application is refused

If your application is refused, you’ll be told:

the reasons for refusal

how you can appeal

Complying with your permit

See the guidance on how to comply with your permit, including maintenance, record keeping and pollution reporting requirements.

Get help

You can ask the Environment Agency for help with your application.

You have a cesspool

You do not have to comply with the general binding rules or apply for a permit.

You must maintain your cesspool and make sure it:

is emptied regularly (for example once a month) by a registered waste carrier

does not leak or overflow

The Environment Agency or your local council can make you repair or replace your cesspool if it’s in poor condition.

If you install a new cesspool

You must:

get planning permission and building regulations approval

make sure it has a minimum capacity of 18,000 litres per 2 users (plus another 6,800 litres per each extra user)

Contact

As the ‘operator’ of a septic tank or small sewage treatment plant you must check you meet the general binding rules. You must apply for a permit if you do not.

Overview

If your house or business is not connected to the mains sewer, your sewage will go to one of the following:

a septic tank - an underground tank where the solids sink to the bottom and the liquid flows out and soaks through the ground

a cesspool (also called a cesspit) - a sealed tank that collects the sewage

a non-standard system, such as a reed bed or trench arch system

There are different rules for septic tanks and treatment plants in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

You have a non-standard system

You must contact the Environment Agency to find out if you need a permit.

You have a septic tank or small sewage treatment plant

You’re an operator if any of the following is true:

you own the property that uses the system

Contact the Environment Agency if you’re not sure whether you’re an operator.

The general binding rules

You must follow the general binding rules if you’re the operator of a septic tank or small sewage treatment plant.

The sewage must:

not cause pollution - find out how to check for pollution

There are other rules depending on whether you’re releasing this sewage:

to the ground, for example in your back garden

to a surface water, for example a river or stream

Ask your local installation or maintenance company if you’re not sure what sort of system you have.

Releasing to the ground

You must use a septic tank or a small sewage treatment plant and a drainage field (infiltration system).

You must apply for a permit if you release (‘discharge’):

to a well, borehole or other deep structure

more than 2 cubic metres (2,000 litres) per day

in a groundwater source protection zone (SPZ1)

You must also read the additional rules for discharging sewage to the ground.

Calculate how much sewage you discharge

For sewage from a residential property, use the calculator to work out how much you discharge per day.

Work out if you’re in a groundwater source protection zone 1 (SPZ1)

An SPZ1 can be either:

Releasing to a surface water

You must also read the additional rules for discharging sewage to a surface water.

Installing a new system

You must have building regulations approval. You may also need planning permission.

Check with your local council.

If you did not get permission and approval

You must apply retrospectively for building regulations approval. You may also need planning permission.

If your system was installed before 1 January 2015, you should contact your local council for advice.

Apply for a permit

You’ll need a permit if you do not meet the general binding rules.

The form you need to fill in depends on:

where you discharge the sewage

how much you discharge

If you discharge sewage to ground

There are different forms depending on whether you’re in a groundwater protection zone (SPZ1).

Outside an SPZ1

There are different forms if you discharge:

between 2 and 15 cubic metres per day

over 15 cubic metres per day

Inside an SPZ1

If you discharge less than 2 cubic metres per day there are different forms:

for systems in use before 1 January 2015

for those installed on or after 1 January 2015

between 2 and 15 cubic metres per day

over 15 cubic metres per day

If you discharge sewage to a surface water

If you discharge between 5 and 20 cubic metres per day, check if you can apply for a standard rules permit.

If you cannot get a standard rules permit, you’ll need a permit to discharge:

up to 20 cubic metres

over 20 cubic metres

Before you start

You need:

the 8-figure grid reference for your septic tank or treatment plant and the point where it discharges

to calculate the largest amount you’re likely to discharge - use one of the calculators in the chapter on the general binding rules

to provide a suitable site plan – see an example site plan

Application fees

Your application fee depends on whether your site is a domestic household, charity or another type of organisation.

You’re discharging to ground

The application fee for domestic households and charities to discharge up to 5,000 litres (5 cubic metres) per day is £125.

The fees are different for other organisations.

Size of discharge per day | Fee

Up to 15,000 litres (15 cubic metres) | £2,708

Over 15,000 litres (15 cubic metres) | £5,699

Any volume that contains specific substances | £6,052

You’re discharging to a surface water

Size of discharge per day | Fee

Up to 5,000 litres (5 cubic metres) | £2,534

Between 5,000 litres (5 cubic metres) and 50,000 litres (50 cubic metres) | £4,170

Any volume that contains specific substances | £7,649

Annual fees

There’s an annual subsistence fee for sites that are not domestic households or charities.

Size of discharge per day | Fee

Up to 5,000 litres | £251

Between 5,000 litres and 20,000 litres with operator self monitoring | £823

Between 5,000 litres and 20,000 litres | £890

Between 20,000 litres and 50,000 litres with operator self monitoring | £1,310

How long it takes

You should get a decision on your application within 13 weeks.

You’ll be told if your application may take longer, for example because of planning issues.

Your application is refused

If your application is refused, you’ll be told:

the reasons for refusal

how you can appeal

Complying with your permit

See the guidance on how to comply with your permit, including maintenance, record keeping and pollution reporting requirements.

Get help

You can ask the Environment Agency for help with your application.

You have a cesspool

You do not have to comply with the general binding rules or apply for a permit.

You must maintain your cesspool and make sure it:

is emptied regularly (for example once a month) by a registered waste carrier

does not leak or overflow

The Environment Agency or your local council can make you repair or replace your cesspool if it’s in poor condition.

If you install a new cesspool

You must:

get planning permission and building regulations approval

make sure it has a minimum capacity of 18,000 litres per 2 users (plus another 6,800 litres per each extra user)

Contact

You’re an operator if any of the following is true:

Overview

If your house or business is not connected to the mains sewer, your sewage will go to one of the following:

a septic tank - an underground tank where the solids sink to the bottom and the liquid flows out and soaks through the ground

a cesspool (also called a cesspit) - a sealed tank that collects the sewage

a non-standard system, such as a reed bed or trench arch system

There are different rules for septic tanks and treatment plants in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

You have a non-standard system

You must contact the Environment Agency to find out if you need a permit.

You have a septic tank or small sewage treatment plant

As the ‘operator’ of a septic tank or small sewage treatment plant you must check you meet the general binding rules. You must apply for a permit if you do not.

you own the property that uses the system

Contact the Environment Agency if you’re not sure whether you’re an operator.

The general binding rules

You must follow the general binding rules if you’re the operator of a septic tank or small sewage treatment plant.

The sewage must:

not cause pollution - find out how to check for pollution

There are other rules depending on whether you’re releasing this sewage:

to the ground, for example in your back garden

to a surface water, for example a river or stream

Ask your local installation or maintenance company if you’re not sure what sort of system you have.

Releasing to the ground

You must use a septic tank or a small sewage treatment plant and a drainage field (infiltration system).

You must apply for a permit if you release (‘discharge’):

to a well, borehole or other deep structure

more than 2 cubic metres (2,000 litres) per day

in a groundwater source protection zone (SPZ1)

You must also read the additional rules for discharging sewage to the ground.

Calculate how much sewage you discharge

For sewage from a residential property, use the calculator to work out how much you discharge per day.

Work out if you’re in a groundwater source protection zone 1 (SPZ1)

An SPZ1 can be either:

Releasing to a surface water

You must also read the additional rules for discharging sewage to a surface water.

Installing a new system

You must have building regulations approval. You may also need planning permission.

Check with your local council.

If you did not get permission and approval

You must apply retrospectively for building regulations approval. You may also need planning permission.

If your system was installed before 1 January 2015, you should contact your local council for advice.

Apply for a permit

You’ll need a permit if you do not meet the general binding rules.

The form you need to fill in depends on:

where you discharge the sewage

how much you discharge

If you discharge sewage to ground

There are different forms depending on whether you’re in a groundwater protection zone (SPZ1).

Outside an SPZ1

There are different forms if you discharge:

between 2 and 15 cubic metres per day

over 15 cubic metres per day

Inside an SPZ1

If you discharge less than 2 cubic metres per day there are different forms:

for systems in use before 1 January 2015

for those installed on or after 1 January 2015

between 2 and 15 cubic metres per day

over 15 cubic metres per day

If you discharge sewage to a surface water

If you discharge between 5 and 20 cubic metres per day, check if you can apply for a standard rules permit.

If you cannot get a standard rules permit, you’ll need a permit to discharge:

up to 20 cubic metres

over 20 cubic metres

Before you start

You need:

the 8-figure grid reference for your septic tank or treatment plant and the point where it discharges

to calculate the largest amount you’re likely to discharge - use one of the calculators in the chapter on the general binding rules

to provide a suitable site plan – see an example site plan

Application fees

Your application fee depends on whether your site is a domestic household, charity or another type of organisation.

You’re discharging to ground

The application fee for domestic households and charities to discharge up to 5,000 litres (5 cubic metres) per day is £125.

The fees are different for other organisations.

Size of discharge per day | Fee

Up to 15,000 litres (15 cubic metres) | £2,708

Over 15,000 litres (15 cubic metres) | £5,699

Any volume that contains specific substances | £6,052

You’re discharging to a surface water

Size of discharge per day | Fee

Up to 5,000 litres (5 cubic metres) | £2,534

Between 5,000 litres (5 cubic metres) and 50,000 litres (50 cubic metres) | £4,170

Any volume that contains specific substances | £7,649

Annual fees

There’s an annual subsistence fee for sites that are not domestic households or charities.

Size of discharge per day | Fee

Up to 5,000 litres | £251

Between 5,000 litres and 20,000 litres with operator self monitoring | £823

Between 5,000 litres and 20,000 litres | £890

Between 20,000 litres and 50,000 litres with operator self monitoring | £1,310

How long it takes

You should get a decision on your application within 13 weeks.

You’ll be told if your application may take longer, for example because of planning issues.

Your application is refused

If your application is refused, you’ll be told:

the reasons for refusal

how you can appeal

Complying with your permit

See the guidance on how to comply with your permit, including maintenance, record keeping and pollution reporting requirements.

Get help

You can ask the Environment Agency for help with your application.

You have a cesspool

You do not have to comply with the general binding rules or apply for a permit.

You must maintain your cesspool and make sure it:

is emptied regularly (for example once a month) by a registered waste carrier

does not leak or overflow

The Environment Agency or your local council can make you repair or replace your cesspool if it’s in poor condition.

If you install a new cesspool

You must:

get planning permission and building regulations approval

make sure it has a minimum capacity of 18,000 litres per 2 users (plus another 6,800 litres per each extra user)

Contact

you own the property that uses the system

Overview

If your house or business is not connected to the mains sewer, your sewage will go to one of the following:

a septic tank - an underground tank where the solids sink to the bottom and the liquid flows out and soaks through the ground

a cesspool (also called a cesspit) - a sealed tank that collects the sewage

a non-standard system, such as a reed bed or trench arch system

There are different rules for septic tanks and treatment plants in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

You have a non-standard system

You must contact the Environment Agency to find out if you need a permit.

You have a septic tank or small sewage treatment plant

As the ‘operator’ of a septic tank or small sewage treatment plant you must check you meet the general binding rules. You must apply for a permit if you do not.

You’re an operator if any of the following is true:

Contact the Environment Agency if you’re not sure whether you’re an operator.

The general binding rules

You must follow the general binding rules if you’re the operator of a septic tank or small sewage treatment plant.

The sewage must:

not cause pollution - find out how to check for pollution

There are other rules depending on whether you’re releasing this sewage:

to the ground, for example in your back garden

to a surface water, for example a river or stream

Ask your local installation or maintenance company if you’re not sure what sort of system you have.

Releasing to the ground

You must use a septic tank or a small sewage treatment plant and a drainage field (infiltration system).

You must apply for a permit if you release (‘discharge’):

to a well, borehole or other deep structure

more than 2 cubic metres (2,000 litres) per day

in a groundwater source protection zone (SPZ1)

You must also read the additional rules for discharging sewage to the ground.

Calculate how much sewage you discharge

For sewage from a residential property, use the calculator to work out how much you discharge per day.

Work out if you’re in a groundwater source protection zone 1 (SPZ1)

An SPZ1 can be either:

Releasing to a surface water

You must also read the additional rules for discharging sewage to a surface water.

Installing a new system

You must have building regulations approval. You may also need planning permission.

Check with your local council.

If you did not get permission and approval

You must apply retrospectively for building regulations approval. You may also need planning permission.

If your system was installed before 1 January 2015, you should contact your local council for advice.

Apply for a permit

You’ll need a permit if you do not meet the general binding rules.

The form you need to fill in depends on:

where you discharge the sewage

how much you discharge

If you discharge sewage to ground

There are different forms depending on whether you’re in a groundwater protection zone (SPZ1).

Outside an SPZ1

There are different forms if you discharge:

between 2 and 15 cubic metres per day

over 15 cubic metres per day

Inside an SPZ1

If you discharge less than 2 cubic metres per day there are different forms:

for systems in use before 1 January 2015

for those installed on or after 1 January 2015

between 2 and 15 cubic metres per day

over 15 cubic metres per day

If you discharge sewage to a surface water

If you discharge between 5 and 20 cubic metres per day, check if you can apply for a standard rules permit.

If you cannot get a standard rules permit, you’ll need a permit to discharge:

up to 20 cubic metres

over 20 cubic metres

Before you start

You need:

the 8-figure grid reference for your septic tank or treatment plant and the point where it discharges

to calculate the largest amount you’re likely to discharge - use one of the calculators in the chapter on the general binding rules

to provide a suitable site plan – see an example site plan

Application fees

Your application fee depends on whether your site is a domestic household, charity or another type of organisation.

You’re discharging to ground

The application fee for domestic households and charities to discharge up to 5,000 litres (5 cubic metres) per day is £125.

The fees are different for other organisations.

Size of discharge per day | Fee

Up to 15,000 litres (15 cubic metres) | £2,708

Over 15,000 litres (15 cubic metres) | £5,699

Any volume that contains specific substances | £6,052

You’re discharging to a surface water

Size of discharge per day | Fee

Up to 5,000 litres (5 cubic metres) | £2,534

Between 5,000 litres (5 cubic metres) and 50,000 litres (50 cubic metres) | £4,170

Any volume that contains specific substances | £7,649

Annual fees

There’s an annual subsistence fee for sites that are not domestic households or charities.

Size of discharge per day | Fee

Up to 5,000 litres | £251

Between 5,000 litres and 20,000 litres with operator self monitoring | £823

Between 5,000 litres and 20,000 litres | £890

Between 20,000 litres and 50,000 litres with operator self monitoring | £1,310

How long it takes

You should get a decision on your application within 13 weeks.

You’ll be told if your application may take longer, for example because of planning issues.

Your application is refused

If your application is refused, you’ll be told:

the reasons for refusal

how you can appeal

Complying with your permit

See the guidance on how to comply with your permit, including maintenance, record keeping and pollution reporting requirements.

Get help

You can ask the Environment Agency for help with your application.

You have a cesspool

You do not have to comply with the general binding rules or apply for a permit.

You must maintain your cesspool and make sure it:

is emptied regularly (for example once a month) by a registered waste carrier

does not leak or overflow

The Environment Agency or your local council can make you repair or replace your cesspool if it’s in poor condition.

If you install a new cesspool

You must:

get planning permission and building regulations approval

make sure it has a minimum capacity of 18,000 litres per 2 users (plus another 6,800 litres per each extra user)

Contact

The sewage must:

Overview

If your house or business is not connected to the mains sewer, your sewage will go to one of the following:

a septic tank - an underground tank where the solids sink to the bottom and the liquid flows out and soaks through the ground

a cesspool (also called a cesspit) - a sealed tank that collects the sewage

a non-standard system, such as a reed bed or trench arch system

There are different rules for septic tanks and treatment plants in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

You have a non-standard system

You must contact the Environment Agency to find out if you need a permit.

You have a septic tank or small sewage treatment plant

As the ‘operator’ of a septic tank or small sewage treatment plant you must check you meet the general binding rules. You must apply for a permit if you do not.

You’re an operator if any of the following is true:

you own the property that uses the system

Contact the Environment Agency if you’re not sure whether you’re an operator.

The general binding rules

You must follow the general binding rules if you’re the operator of a septic tank or small sewage treatment plant.

The sewage must:

not cause pollution - find out how to check for pollution

There are other rules depending on whether you’re releasing this sewage:

to the ground, for example in your back garden

to a surface water, for example a river or stream

Ask your local installation or maintenance company if you’re not sure what sort of system you have.

Releasing to the ground

You must use a septic tank or a small sewage treatment plant and a drainage field (infiltration system).

You must apply for a permit if you release (‘discharge’):

to a well, borehole or other deep structure

more than 2 cubic metres (2,000 litres) per day

in a groundwater source protection zone (SPZ1)

You must also read the additional rules for discharging sewage to the ground.

Calculate how much sewage you discharge

For sewage from a residential property, use the calculator to work out how much you discharge per day.

Work out if you’re in a groundwater source protection zone 1 (SPZ1)

An SPZ1 can be either:

Releasing to a surface water

You must also read the additional rules for discharging sewage to a surface water.

Installing a new system

You must have building regulations approval. You may also need planning permission.

Check with your local council.

If you did not get permission and approval

You must apply retrospectively for building regulations approval. You may also need planning permission.

If your system was installed before 1 January 2015, you should contact your local council for advice.

Apply for a permit

You’ll need a permit if you do not meet the general binding rules.

The form you need to fill in depends on:

where you discharge the sewage

how much you discharge

If you discharge sewage to ground

There are different forms depending on whether you’re in a groundwater protection zone (SPZ1).

Outside an SPZ1

There are different forms if you discharge:

between 2 and 15 cubic metres per day

over 15 cubic metres per day

Inside an SPZ1

If you discharge less than 2 cubic metres per day there are different forms:

for systems in use before 1 January 2015

for those installed on or after 1 January 2015

between 2 and 15 cubic metres per day

over 15 cubic metres per day

If you discharge sewage to a surface water

If you discharge between 5 and 20 cubic metres per day, check if you can apply for a standard rules permit.

If you cannot get a standard rules permit, you’ll need a permit to discharge:

up to 20 cubic metres

over 20 cubic metres

Before you start

You need:

the 8-figure grid reference for your septic tank or treatment plant and the point where it discharges

to calculate the largest amount you’re likely to discharge - use one of the calculators in the chapter on the general binding rules

to provide a suitable site plan – see an example site plan

Application fees

Your application fee depends on whether your site is a domestic household, charity or another type of organisation.

You’re discharging to ground

The application fee for domestic households and charities to discharge up to 5,000 litres (5 cubic metres) per day is £125.

The fees are different for other organisations.

Size of discharge per day | Fee

Up to 15,000 litres (15 cubic metres) | £2,708

Over 15,000 litres (15 cubic metres) | £5,699

Any volume that contains specific substances | £6,052

You’re discharging to a surface water

Size of discharge per day | Fee

Up to 5,000 litres (5 cubic metres) | £2,534

Between 5,000 litres (5 cubic metres) and 50,000 litres (50 cubic metres) | £4,170

Any volume that contains specific substances | £7,649

Annual fees

There’s an annual subsistence fee for sites that are not domestic households or charities.

Size of discharge per day | Fee

Up to 5,000 litres | £251

Between 5,000 litres and 20,000 litres with operator self monitoring | £823

Between 5,000 litres and 20,000 litres | £890

Between 20,000 litres and 50,000 litres with operator self monitoring | £1,310

How long it takes

You should get a decision on your application within 13 weeks.

You’ll be told if your application may take longer, for example because of planning issues.

Your application is refused

If your application is refused, you’ll be told:

the reasons for refusal

how you can appeal

Complying with your permit

See the guidance on how to comply with your permit, including maintenance, record keeping and pollution reporting requirements.

Get help

You can ask the Environment Agency for help with your application.

You have a cesspool

You do not have to comply with the general binding rules or apply for a permit.

You must maintain your cesspool and make sure it:

is emptied regularly (for example once a month) by a registered waste carrier

does not leak or overflow

The Environment Agency or your local council can make you repair or replace your cesspool if it’s in poor condition.

If you install a new cesspool

You must:

get planning permission and building regulations approval

make sure it has a minimum capacity of 18,000 litres per 2 users (plus another 6,800 litres per each extra user)

Contact

Overview

If your house or business is not connected to the mains sewer, your sewage will go to one of the following:

a septic tank - an underground tank where the solids sink to the bottom and the liquid flows out and soaks through the ground

a cesspool (also called a cesspit) - a sealed tank that collects the sewage

a non-standard system, such as a reed bed or trench arch system

There are different rules for septic tanks and treatment plants in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

You have a non-standard system

You must contact the Environment Agency to find out if you need a permit.

You have a septic tank or small sewage treatment plant

As the ‘operator’ of a septic tank or small sewage treatment plant you must check you meet the general binding rules. You must apply for a permit if you do not.

You’re an operator if any of the following is true:

you own the property that uses the system

Contact the Environment Agency if you’re not sure whether you’re an operator.

The general binding rules

You must follow the general binding rules if you’re the operator of a septic tank or small sewage treatment plant.

The sewage must:

not cause pollution - find out how to check for pollution

There are other rules depending on whether you’re releasing this sewage:

to the ground, for example in your back garden

to a surface water, for example a river or stream

Ask your local installation or maintenance company if you’re not sure what sort of system you have.

Releasing to the ground

You must use a septic tank or a small sewage treatment plant and a drainage field (infiltration system).

You must apply for a permit if you release (‘discharge’):

to a well, borehole or other deep structure

more than 2 cubic metres (2,000 litres) per day

in a groundwater source protection zone (SPZ1)

You must also read the additional rules for discharging sewage to the ground.

Calculate how much sewage you discharge

For sewage from a residential property, use the calculator to work out how much you discharge per day.

Work out if you’re in a groundwater source protection zone 1 (SPZ1)

An SPZ1 can be either:

Releasing to a surface water

You must also read the additional rules for discharging sewage to a surface water.

Installing a new system

You must have building regulations approval. You may also need planning permission.

Check with your local council.

If you did not get permission and approval

You must apply retrospectively for building regulations approval. You may also need planning permission.

If your system was installed before 1 January 2015, you should contact your local council for advice.

Apply for a permit

You’ll need a permit if you do not meet the general binding rules.

The form you need to fill in depends on:

where you discharge the sewage

how much you discharge

If you discharge sewage to ground

There are different forms depending on whether you’re in a groundwater protection zone (SPZ1).

Outside an SPZ1

There are different forms if you discharge:

between 2 and 15 cubic metres per day

over 15 cubic metres per day

Inside an SPZ1

If you discharge less than 2 cubic metres per day there are different forms:

for systems in use before 1 January 2015

for those installed on or after 1 January 2015

between 2 and 15 cubic metres per day

over 15 cubic metres per day

If you discharge sewage to a surface water

If you discharge between 5 and 20 cubic metres per day, check if you can apply for a standard rules permit.

If you cannot get a standard rules permit, you’ll need a permit to discharge:

up to 20 cubic metres

over 20 cubic metres

Before you start

You need:

the 8-figure grid reference for your septic tank or treatment plant and the point where it discharges

to calculate the largest amount you’re likely to discharge - use one of the calculators in the chapter on the general binding rules

to provide a suitable site plan – see an example site plan

Application fees

Your application fee depends on whether your site is a domestic household, charity or another type of organisation.

You’re discharging to ground

The application fee for domestic households and charities to discharge up to 5,000 litres (5 cubic metres) per day is £125.

The fees are different for other organisations.

Size of discharge per day | Fee

Up to 15,000 litres (15 cubic metres) | £2,708

Over 15,000 litres (15 cubic metres) | £5,699

Any volume that contains specific substances | £6,052

You’re discharging to a surface water

Size of discharge per day | Fee

Up to 5,000 litres (5 cubic metres) | £2,534

Between 5,000 litres (5 cubic metres) and 50,000 litres (50 cubic metres) | £4,170

Any volume that contains specific substances | £7,649

Annual fees

There’s an annual subsistence fee for sites that are not domestic households or charities.

Size of discharge per day | Fee

Up to 5,000 litres | £251

Between 5,000 litres and 20,000 litres with operator self monitoring | £823

Between 5,000 litres and 20,000 litres | £890

Between 20,000 litres and 50,000 litres with operator self monitoring | £1,310

How long it takes

You should get a decision on your application within 13 weeks.

You’ll be told if your application may take longer, for example because of planning issues.

Your application is refused

If your application is refused, you’ll be told:

the reasons for refusal

how you can appeal

Complying with your permit

See the guidance on how to comply with your permit, including maintenance, record keeping and pollution reporting requirements.

Get help

You can ask the Environment Agency for help with your application.

You have a cesspool

You do not have to comply with the general binding rules or apply for a permit.

You must maintain your cesspool and make sure it:

is emptied regularly (for example once a month) by a registered waste carrier

does not leak or overflow

The Environment Agency or your local council can make you repair or replace your cesspool if it’s in poor condition.

If you install a new cesspool

You must:

get planning permission and building regulations approval

make sure it has a minimum capacity of 18,000 litres per 2 users (plus another 6,800 litres per each extra user)

Contact

You’ll need a permit if you do not meet the general binding rules.

Overview

If your house or business is not connected to the mains sewer, your sewage will go to one of the following:

a septic tank - an underground tank where the solids sink to the bottom and the liquid flows out and soaks through the ground

a cesspool (also called a cesspit) - a sealed tank that collects the sewage

a non-standard system, such as a reed bed or trench arch system

There are different rules for septic tanks and treatment plants in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

You have a non-standard system

You must contact the Environment Agency to find out if you need a permit.

You have a septic tank or small sewage treatment plant

As the ‘operator’ of a septic tank or small sewage treatment plant you must check you meet the general binding rules. You must apply for a permit if you do not.

You’re an operator if any of the following is true:

you own the property that uses the system

Contact the Environment Agency if you’re not sure whether you’re an operator.

The general binding rules

You must follow the general binding rules if you’re the operator of a septic tank or small sewage treatment plant.

The sewage must:

not cause pollution - find out how to check for pollution

There are other rules depending on whether you’re releasing this sewage:

to the ground, for example in your back garden

to a surface water, for example a river or stream

Ask your local installation or maintenance company if you’re not sure what sort of system you have.

Releasing to the ground

You must use a septic tank or a small sewage treatment plant and a drainage field (infiltration system).

You must apply for a permit if you release (‘discharge’):

to a well, borehole or other deep structure

more than 2 cubic metres (2,000 litres) per day

in a groundwater source protection zone (SPZ1)

You must also read the additional rules for discharging sewage to the ground.

Calculate how much sewage you discharge

For sewage from a residential property, use the calculator to work out how much you discharge per day.

Work out if you’re in a groundwater source protection zone 1 (SPZ1)

An SPZ1 can be either:

Releasing to a surface water

You must also read the additional rules for discharging sewage to a surface water.

Installing a new system

You must have building regulations approval. You may also need planning permission.

Check with your local council.

If you did not get permission and approval

You must apply retrospectively for building regulations approval. You may also need planning permission.

If your system was installed before 1 January 2015, you should contact your local council for advice.

Apply for a permit

You’ll need a permit if you do not meet the general binding rules.

The form you need to fill in depends on:

where you discharge the sewage

how much you discharge

If you discharge sewage to ground

There are different forms depending on whether you’re in a groundwater protection zone (SPZ1).

Outside an SPZ1

There are different forms if you discharge:

between 2 and 15 cubic metres per day

over 15 cubic metres per day

Inside an SPZ1

If you discharge less than 2 cubic metres per day there are different forms:

for systems in use before 1 January 2015

for those installed on or after 1 January 2015

between 2 and 15 cubic metres per day

over 15 cubic metres per day

If you discharge sewage to a surface water

If you discharge between 5 and 20 cubic metres per day, check if you can apply for a standard rules permit.

If you cannot get a standard rules permit, you’ll need a permit to discharge:

up to 20 cubic metres

over 20 cubic metres

Before you start

You need:

the 8-figure grid reference for your septic tank or treatment plant and the point where it discharges

to calculate the largest amount you’re likely to discharge - use one of the calculators in the chapter on the general binding rules

to provide a suitable site plan – see an example site plan

Application fees

Your application fee depends on whether your site is a domestic household, charity or another type of organisation.

You’re discharging to ground

The application fee for domestic households and charities to discharge up to 5,000 litres (5 cubic metres) per day is £125.

The fees are different for other organisations.

Size of discharge per day | Fee

Up to 15,000 litres (15 cubic metres) | £2,708

Over 15,000 litres (15 cubic metres) | £5,699

Any volume that contains specific substances | £6,052

You’re discharging to a surface water

Size of discharge per day | Fee

Up to 5,000 litres (5 cubic metres) | £2,534

Between 5,000 litres (5 cubic metres) and 50,000 litres (50 cubic metres) | £4,170

Any volume that contains specific substances | £7,649

Annual fees

There’s an annual subsistence fee for sites that are not domestic households or charities.

Size of discharge per day | Fee

Up to 5,000 litres | £251

Between 5,000 litres and 20,000 litres with operator self monitoring | £823

Between 5,000 litres and 20,000 litres | £890

Between 20,000 litres and 50,000 litres with operator self monitoring | £1,310

How long it takes

You should get a decision on your application within 13 weeks.

You’ll be told if your application may take longer, for example because of planning issues.

Your application is refused

If your application is refused, you’ll be told:

the reasons for refusal

how you can appeal

Complying with your permit

See the guidance on how to comply with your permit, including maintenance, record keeping and pollution reporting requirements.

Get help

You can ask the Environment Agency for help with your application.

You have a cesspool

You do not have to comply with the general binding rules or apply for a permit.

You must maintain your cesspool and make sure it:

is emptied regularly (for example once a month) by a registered waste carrier

does not leak or overflow

The Environment Agency or your local council can make you repair or replace your cesspool if it’s in poor condition.

If you install a new cesspool

You must:

get planning permission and building regulations approval

make sure it has a minimum capacity of 18,000 litres per 2 users (plus another 6,800 litres per each extra user)

Contact


My friend is planning to build a new home . He wants to invest in a sewage system for domestic use that releases the sewage to surface water. What are the general binding rules that he need to follow for a new septic tank?

The sewage must:

Overview

If your house or business is not connected to the mains sewer, your sewage will go to one of the following:

a septic tank - an underground tank where the solids sink to the bottom and the liquid flows out and soaks through the ground

a small sewage treatment plant (also known as a package treatment plant) - a part-mechanical system that treats the liquid so it’s clean enough to go into a river or stream

a cesspool (also called a cesspit) - a sealed tank that collects the sewage

a non-standard system, such as a reed bed or trench arch system

There are different rules for septic tanks and treatment plants in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

You have a non-standard system

You must contact the Environment Agency to find out if you need a permit.

You have a septic tank or small sewage treatment plant

As the ‘operator’ of a septic tank or small sewage treatment plant you must check you meet the general binding rules. You must apply for a permit if you do not.

You’re an operator if any of the following is true:

you own the property that uses the system

you own a property that shares the system with other properties - each property owner is an operator, and you’re jointly responsible for complying with the general binding rules

you have a written agreement with the property owner that says you’re responsible for the system’s maintenance, for example you’re renting and it’s in your tenancy agreement

Contact the Environment Agency if you’re not sure whether you’re an operator.

The general binding rules

You must follow the general binding rules if you’re the operator of a septic tank or small sewage treatment plant.

The sewage must:

be domestic in nature, for example from a toilet, bathroom, shower or kitchen of a house, flat or business (such as a pub, hotel or office) - contact the Environment Agency if you’re not sure if the sewage is domestic in nature

not cause pollution - find out how to check for pollution

There are other rules depending on whether you’re releasing this sewage:

to the ground, for example in your back garden

to a surface water, for example a river or stream

Ask your local installation or maintenance company if you’re not sure what sort of system you have.

Releasing to the ground

You must use a septic tank or a small sewage treatment plant and a drainage field (infiltration system).

You must apply for a permit if you release (‘discharge’):

to a well, borehole or other deep structure

more than 2 cubic metres (2,000 litres) per day

in a groundwater source protection zone (SPZ1)

You must also read the additional rules for discharging sewage to the ground.

Calculate how much sewage you discharge

For sewage from a residential property, use the calculator to work out how much you discharge per day.

For commercial properties (such as a hotel, restaurant or office) or holiday accommodation (such as a cottage or chalet), use British Water’s flows and loads guidance or contact the Environment Agency for advice.

Work out if you’re in a groundwater source protection zone 1 (SPZ1)

An SPZ1 can be either:

the area around a commercial water supply shown on the map of protected zones - check whether your discharge is in the inner zone (Zone 1) or ask the Environment Agency

any area within 50 metres of a private water supply for human consumption - ask your neighbours if they have a spring, well or borehole, and how far it is from your drainage field

Releasing to a surface water

You must use a small sewage treatment plant. You must apply for a permit if you’re discharging more than 5 cubic metres (5,000 litres) per day. Use the calculator to work out how much you discharge per day.

You must also read the additional rules for discharging sewage to a surface water.

Installing a new system

You must have building regulations approval. You may also need planning permission.

Check with your local council.

If you did not get permission and approval

You must apply retrospectively for building regulations approval. You may also need planning permission.

If your system was installed before 1 January 2015, you should contact your local council for advice.

Apply for a permit

You’ll need a permit if you do not meet the general binding rules.

The form you need to fill in depends on:

where you discharge the sewage

how much you discharge

If you discharge sewage to ground

There are different forms depending on whether you’re in a groundwater protection zone (SPZ1).

Outside an SPZ1

There are different forms if you discharge:

between 2 and 15 cubic metres per day

over 15 cubic metres per day

Inside an SPZ1

If you discharge less than 2 cubic metres per day there are different forms:

for systems in use before 1 January 2015

for those installed on or after 1 January 2015

between 2 and 15 cubic metres per day

over 15 cubic metres per day

If you discharge sewage to a surface water

If you discharge between 5 and 20 cubic metres per day, check if you can apply for a standard rules permit.

If you cannot get a standard rules permit, you’ll need a permit to discharge:

up to 20 cubic metres

over 20 cubic metres

Before you start

You need:

the 8-figure grid reference for your septic tank or treatment plant and the point where it discharges

to calculate the largest amount you’re likely to discharge - use one of the calculators in the chapter on the general binding rules

to provide a suitable site plan – see an example site plan

Application fees

Your application fee depends on whether your site is a domestic household, charity or another type of organisation.

You’re discharging to ground

The application fee for domestic households and charities to discharge up to 5,000 litres (5 cubic metres) per day is £125.

The fees are different for other organisations.

Size of discharge per day | Fee

Up to 15,000 litres (15 cubic metres) | £2,708

Over 15,000 litres (15 cubic metres) | £5,699

Any volume that contains specific substances | £6,052

You’re discharging to a surface water

Size of discharge per day | Fee

Up to 5,000 litres (5 cubic metres) | £2,534

Between 5,000 litres (5 cubic metres) and 50,000 litres (50 cubic metres) | £4,170

Any volume that contains specific substances | £7,649

Annual fees

There’s an annual subsistence fee for sites that are not domestic households or charities.

Size of discharge per day | Fee

Up to 5,000 litres | £251

Between 5,000 litres and 20,000 litres with operator self monitoring | £823

Between 5,000 litres and 20,000 litres | £890

Between 20,000 litres and 50,000 litres with operator self monitoring | £1,310

How long it takes

You should get a decision on your application within 13 weeks.

You’ll be told if your application may take longer, for example because of planning issues.

Your application is refused

If your application is refused, you’ll be told:

the reasons for refusal

how you can appeal

Complying with your permit

See the guidance on how to comply with your permit, including maintenance, record keeping and pollution reporting requirements.

Get help

You can ask the Environment Agency for help with your application.

You have a cesspool

You do not have to comply with the general binding rules or apply for a permit.

You must maintain your cesspool and make sure it:

is emptied regularly (for example once a month) by a registered waste carrier

does not leak or overflow

The Environment Agency or your local council can make you repair or replace your cesspool if it’s in poor condition.

If you install a new cesspool

You must:

get planning permission and building regulations approval

make sure it has a minimum capacity of 18,000 litres per 2 users (plus another 6,800 litres per each extra user)

Contact

Overview

If your house or business is not connected to the mains sewer, your sewage will go to one of the following:

a septic tank - an underground tank where the solids sink to the bottom and the liquid flows out and soaks through the ground

a cesspool (also called a cesspit) - a sealed tank that collects the sewage

a non-standard system, such as a reed bed or trench arch system

There are different rules for septic tanks and treatment plants in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

You have a non-standard system

You must contact the Environment Agency to find out if you need a permit.

You have a septic tank or small sewage treatment plant

You’re an operator if any of the following is true:

you own the property that uses the system

Contact the Environment Agency if you’re not sure whether you’re an operator.

The general binding rules

You must follow the general binding rules if you’re the operator of a septic tank or small sewage treatment plant.

The sewage must:

not cause pollution - find out how to check for pollution

There are other rules depending on whether you’re releasing this sewage:

to the ground, for example in your back garden

to a surface water, for example a river or stream

Ask your local installation or maintenance company if you’re not sure what sort of system you have.

Releasing to the ground

You must use a septic tank or a small sewage treatment plant and a drainage field (infiltration system).

You must apply for a permit if you release (‘discharge’):

to a well, borehole or other deep structure

more than 2 cubic metres (2,000 litres) per day

in a groundwater source protection zone (SPZ1)

You must also read the additional rules for discharging sewage to the ground.

Calculate how much sewage you discharge

For sewage from a residential property, use the calculator to work out how much you discharge per day.

Work out if you’re in a groundwater source protection zone 1 (SPZ1)

An SPZ1 can be either:

Releasing to a surface water

You must also read the additional rules for discharging sewage to a surface water.

Installing a new system

You must have building regulations approval. You may also need planning permission.

Check with your local council.

If you did not get permission and approval

You must apply retrospectively for building regulations approval. You may also need planning permission.

If your system was installed before 1 January 2015, you should contact your local council for advice.

Apply for a permit

You’ll need a permit if you do not meet the general binding rules.

The form you need to fill in depends on:

where you discharge the sewage

how much you discharge

If you discharge sewage to ground

There are different forms depending on whether you’re in a groundwater protection zone (SPZ1).

Outside an SPZ1

There are different forms if you discharge:

between 2 and 15 cubic metres per day

over 15 cubic metres per day

Inside an SPZ1

If you discharge less than 2 cubic metres per day there are different forms:

for systems in use before 1 January 2015

for those installed on or after 1 January 2015

between 2 and 15 cubic metres per day

over 15 cubic metres per day

If you discharge sewage to a surface water

If you discharge between 5 and 20 cubic metres per day, check if you can apply for a standard rules permit.

If you cannot get a standard rules permit, you’ll need a permit to discharge:

up to 20 cubic metres

over 20 cubic metres

Before you start

You need:

the 8-figure grid reference for your septic tank or treatment plant and the point where it discharges

to calculate the largest amount you’re likely to discharge - use one of the calculators in the chapter on the general binding rules

to provide a suitable site plan – see an example site plan

Application fees

Your application fee depends on whether your site is a domestic household, charity or another type of organisation.

You’re discharging to ground

The application fee for domestic households and charities to discharge up to 5,000 litres (5 cubic metres) per day is £125.

The fees are different for other organisations.

Size of discharge per day | Fee

Up to 15,000 litres (15 cubic metres) | £2,708

Over 15,000 litres (15 cubic metres) | £5,699

Any volume that contains specific substances | £6,052

You’re discharging to a surface water

Size of discharge per day | Fee

Up to 5,000 litres (5 cubic metres) | £2,534

Between 5,000 litres (5 cubic metres) and 50,000 litres (50 cubic metres) | £4,170

Any volume that contains specific substances | £7,649

Annual fees

There’s an annual subsistence fee for sites that are not domestic households or charities.

Size of discharge per day | Fee

Up to 5,000 litres | £251

Between 5,000 litres and 20,000 litres with operator self monitoring | £823

Between 5,000 litres and 20,000 litres | £890

Between 20,000 litres and 50,000 litres with operator self monitoring | £1,310

How long it takes

You should get a decision on your application within 13 weeks.

You’ll be told if your application may take longer, for example because of planning issues.

Your application is refused

If your application is refused, you’ll be told:

the reasons for refusal

how you can appeal

Complying with your permit

See the guidance on how to comply with your permit, including maintenance, record keeping and pollution reporting requirements.

Get help

You can ask the Environment Agency for help with your application.

You have a cesspool

You do not have to comply with the general binding rules or apply for a permit.

You must maintain your cesspool and make sure it:

is emptied regularly (for example once a month) by a registered waste carrier

does not leak or overflow

The Environment Agency or your local council can make you repair or replace your cesspool if it’s in poor condition.

If you install a new cesspool

You must:

get planning permission and building regulations approval

make sure it has a minimum capacity of 18,000 litres per 2 users (plus another 6,800 litres per each extra user)

Contact

not cause pollution - find out how to check for pollution

Overview

If your house or business is not connected to the mains sewer, your sewage will go to one of the following:

a septic tank - an underground tank where the solids sink to the bottom and the liquid flows out and soaks through the ground

a cesspool (also called a cesspit) - a sealed tank that collects the sewage

a non-standard system, such as a reed bed or trench arch system

There are different rules for septic tanks and treatment plants in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

You have a non-standard system

You must contact the Environment Agency to find out if you need a permit.

You have a septic tank or small sewage treatment plant

You’re an operator if any of the following is true:

you own the property that uses the system

Contact the Environment Agency if you’re not sure whether you’re an operator.

The general binding rules

You must follow the general binding rules if you’re the operator of a septic tank or small sewage treatment plant.

The sewage must:

not cause pollution - find out how to check for pollution

There are other rules depending on whether you’re releasing this sewage:

to the ground, for example in your back garden

to a surface water, for example a river or stream

Ask your local installation or maintenance company if you’re not sure what sort of system you have.

Releasing to the ground

You must use a septic tank or a small sewage treatment plant and a drainage field (infiltration system).

You must apply for a permit if you release (‘discharge’):

to a well, borehole or other deep structure

more than 2 cubic metres (2,000 litres) per day

in a groundwater source protection zone (SPZ1)

You must also read the additional rules for discharging sewage to the ground.

Calculate how much sewage you discharge

For sewage from a residential property, use the calculator to work out how much you discharge per day.

Work out if you’re in a groundwater source protection zone 1 (SPZ1)

An SPZ1 can be either:

Releasing to a surface water

You must also read the additional rules for discharging sewage to a surface water.

Installing a new system

You must have building regulations approval. You may also need planning permission.

Check with your local council.

If you did not get permission and approval

You must apply retrospectively for building regulations approval. You may also need planning permission.

If your system was installed before 1 January 2015, you should contact your local council for advice.

Apply for a permit

You’ll need a permit if you do not meet the general binding rules.

The form you need to fill in depends on:

where you discharge the sewage

how much you discharge

If you discharge sewage to ground

There are different forms depending on whether you’re in a groundwater protection zone (SPZ1).

Outside an SPZ1

There are different forms if you discharge:

between 2 and 15 cubic metres per day

over 15 cubic metres per day

Inside an SPZ1

If you discharge less than 2 cubic metres per day there are different forms:

for systems in use before 1 January 2015

for those installed on or after 1 January 2015

between 2 and 15 cubic metres per day

over 15 cubic metres per day

If you discharge sewage to a surface water

If you discharge between 5 and 20 cubic metres per day, check if you can apply for a standard rules permit.

If you cannot get a standard rules permit, you’ll need a permit to discharge:

up to 20 cubic metres

over 20 cubic metres

Before you start

You need:

the 8-figure grid reference for your septic tank or treatment plant and the point where it discharges

to calculate the largest amount you’re likely to discharge - use one of the calculators in the chapter on the general binding rules

to provide a suitable site plan – see an example site plan

Application fees

Your application fee depends on whether your site is a domestic household, charity or another type of organisation.

You’re discharging to ground

The application fee for domestic households and charities to discharge up to 5,000 litres (5 cubic metres) per day is £125.

The fees are different for other organisations.

Size of discharge per day | Fee

Up to 15,000 litres (15 cubic metres) | £2,708

Over 15,000 litres (15 cubic metres) | £5,699

Any volume that contains specific substances | £6,052

You’re discharging to a surface water

Size of discharge per day | Fee

Up to 5,000 litres (5 cubic metres) | £2,534

Between 5,000 litres (5 cubic metres) and 50,000 litres (50 cubic metres) | £4,170

Any volume that contains specific substances | £7,649

Annual fees

There’s an annual subsistence fee for sites that are not domestic households or charities.

Size of discharge per day | Fee

Up to 5,000 litres | £251

Between 5,000 litres and 20,000 litres with operator self monitoring | £823

Between 5,000 litres and 20,000 litres | £890

Between 20,000 litres and 50,000 litres with operator self monitoring | £1,310

How long it takes

You should get a decision on your application within 13 weeks.

You’ll be told if your application may take longer, for example because of planning issues.

Your application is refused

If your application is refused, you’ll be told:

the reasons for refusal

how you can appeal

Complying with your permit

See the guidance on how to comply with your permit, including maintenance, record keeping and pollution reporting requirements.

Get help

You can ask the Environment Agency for help with your application.

You have a cesspool

You do not have to comply with the general binding rules or apply for a permit.

You must maintain your cesspool and make sure it:

is emptied regularly (for example once a month) by a registered waste carrier

does not leak or overflow

The Environment Agency or your local council can make you repair or replace your cesspool if it’s in poor condition.

If you install a new cesspool

You must:

get planning permission and building regulations approval

make sure it has a minimum capacity of 18,000 litres per 2 users (plus another 6,800 litres per each extra user)

Contact

There are other rules depending on whether you’re releasing this sewage:

Overview

If your house or business is not connected to the mains sewer, your sewage will go to one of the following:

a septic tank - an underground tank where the solids sink to the bottom and the liquid flows out and soaks through the ground

a cesspool (also called a cesspit) - a sealed tank that collects the sewage

a non-standard system, such as a reed bed or trench arch system

There are different rules for septic tanks and treatment plants in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

You have a non-standard system

You must contact the Environment Agency to find out if you need a permit.

You have a septic tank or small sewage treatment plant

You’re an operator if any of the following is true:

you own the property that uses the system

Contact the Environment Agency if you’re not sure whether you’re an operator.

The general binding rules

You must follow the general binding rules if you’re the operator of a septic tank or small sewage treatment plant.

The sewage must:

not cause pollution - find out how to check for pollution

There are other rules depending on whether you’re releasing this sewage:

to the ground, for example in your back garden

to a surface water, for example a river or stream

Ask your local installation or maintenance company if you’re not sure what sort of system you have.

Releasing to the ground

You must use a septic tank or a small sewage treatment plant and a drainage field (infiltration system).

You must apply for a permit if you release (‘discharge’):

to a well, borehole or other deep structure

more than 2 cubic metres (2,000 litres) per day

in a groundwater source protection zone (SPZ1)

You must also read the additional rules for discharging sewage to the ground.

Calculate how much sewage you discharge

For sewage from a residential property, use the calculator to work out how much you discharge per day.

Work out if you’re in a groundwater source protection zone 1 (SPZ1)

An SPZ1 can be either:

Releasing to a surface water

You must also read the additional rules for discharging sewage to a surface water.

Installing a new system

You must have building regulations approval. You may also need planning permission.

Check with your local council.

If you did not get permission and approval

You must apply retrospectively for building regulations approval. You may also need planning permission.

If your system was installed before 1 January 2015, you should contact your local council for advice.

Apply for a permit

You’ll need a permit if you do not meet the general binding rules.

The form you need to fill in depends on:

where you discharge the sewage

how much you discharge

If you discharge sewage to ground

There are different forms depending on whether you’re in a groundwater protection zone (SPZ1).

Outside an SPZ1

There are different forms if you discharge:

between 2 and 15 cubic metres per day

over 15 cubic metres per day

Inside an SPZ1

If you discharge less than 2 cubic metres per day there are different forms:

for systems in use before 1 January 2015

for those installed on or after 1 January 2015

between 2 and 15 cubic metres per day

over 15 cubic metres per day

If you discharge sewage to a surface water

If you discharge between 5 and 20 cubic metres per day, check if you can apply for a standard rules permit.

If you cannot get a standard rules permit, you’ll need a permit to discharge:

up to 20 cubic metres

over 20 cubic metres

Before you start

You need:

the 8-figure grid reference for your septic tank or treatment plant and the point where it discharges

to calculate the largest amount you’re likely to discharge - use one of the calculators in the chapter on the general binding rules

to provide a suitable site plan – see an example site plan

Application fees

Your application fee depends on whether your site is a domestic household, charity or another type of organisation.

You’re discharging to ground

The application fee for domestic households and charities to discharge up to 5,000 litres (5 cubic metres) per day is £125.

The fees are different for other organisations.

Size of discharge per day | Fee

Up to 15,000 litres (15 cubic metres) | £2,708

Over 15,000 litres (15 cubic metres) | £5,699

Any volume that contains specific substances | £6,052

You’re discharging to a surface water

Size of discharge per day | Fee

Up to 5,000 litres (5 cubic metres) | £2,534

Between 5,000 litres (5 cubic metres) and 50,000 litres (50 cubic metres) | £4,170

Any volume that contains specific substances | £7,649

Annual fees

There’s an annual subsistence fee for sites that are not domestic households or charities.

Size of discharge per day | Fee

Up to 5,000 litres | £251

Between 5,000 litres and 20,000 litres with operator self monitoring | £823

Between 5,000 litres and 20,000 litres | £890

Between 20,000 litres and 50,000 litres with operator self monitoring | £1,310

How long it takes

You should get a decision on your application within 13 weeks.

You’ll be told if your application may take longer, for example because of planning issues.

Your application is refused

If your application is refused, you’ll be told:

the reasons for refusal

how you can appeal

Complying with your permit

See the guidance on how to comply with your permit, including maintenance, record keeping and pollution reporting requirements.

Get help

You can ask the Environment Agency for help with your application.

You have a cesspool

You do not have to comply with the general binding rules or apply for a permit.

You must maintain your cesspool and make sure it:

is emptied regularly (for example once a month) by a registered waste carrier

does not leak or overflow

The Environment Agency or your local council can make you repair or replace your cesspool if it’s in poor condition.

If you install a new cesspool

You must:

get planning permission and building regulations approval

make sure it has a minimum capacity of 18,000 litres per 2 users (plus another 6,800 litres per each extra user)

Contact

to a surface water, for example a river or stream

Overview

If your house or business is not connected to the mains sewer, your sewage will go to one of the following:

a septic tank - an underground tank where the solids sink to the bottom and the liquid flows out and soaks through the ground

a cesspool (also called a cesspit) - a sealed tank that collects the sewage

a non-standard system, such as a reed bed or trench arch system

There are different rules for septic tanks and treatment plants in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

You have a non-standard system

You must contact the Environment Agency to find out if you need a permit.

You have a septic tank or small sewage treatment plant

You’re an operator if any of the following is true:

you own the property that uses the system

Contact the Environment Agency if you’re not sure whether you’re an operator.

The general binding rules

You must follow the general binding rules if you’re the operator of a septic tank or small sewage treatment plant.

The sewage must:

not cause pollution - find out how to check for pollution

There are other rules depending on whether you’re releasing this sewage:

to the ground, for example in your back garden

to a surface water, for example a river or stream

Ask your local installation or maintenance company if you’re not sure what sort of system you have.

Releasing to the ground

You must use a septic tank or a small sewage treatment plant and a drainage field (infiltration system).

You must apply for a permit if you release (‘discharge’):

to a well, borehole or other deep structure

more than 2 cubic metres (2,000 litres) per day

in a groundwater source protection zone (SPZ1)

You must also read the additional rules for discharging sewage to the ground.

Calculate how much sewage you discharge

For sewage from a residential property, use the calculator to work out how much you discharge per day.

Work out if you’re in a groundwater source protection zone 1 (SPZ1)

An SPZ1 can be either:

Releasing to a surface water

You must also read the additional rules for discharging sewage to a surface water.

Installing a new system

You must have building regulations approval. You may also need planning permission.

Check with your local council.

If you did not get permission and approval

You must apply retrospectively for building regulations approval. You may also need planning permission.

If your system was installed before 1 January 2015, you should contact your local council for advice.

Apply for a permit

You’ll need a permit if you do not meet the general binding rules.

The form you need to fill in depends on:

where you discharge the sewage

how much you discharge

If you discharge sewage to ground

There are different forms depending on whether you’re in a groundwater protection zone (SPZ1).

Outside an SPZ1

There are different forms if you discharge:

between 2 and 15 cubic metres per day

over 15 cubic metres per day

Inside an SPZ1

If you discharge less than 2 cubic metres per day there are different forms:

for systems in use before 1 January 2015

for those installed on or after 1 January 2015

between 2 and 15 cubic metres per day

over 15 cubic metres per day

If you discharge sewage to a surface water

If you discharge between 5 and 20 cubic metres per day, check if you can apply for a standard rules permit.

If you cannot get a standard rules permit, you’ll need a permit to discharge:

up to 20 cubic metres

over 20 cubic metres

Before you start

You need:

the 8-figure grid reference for your septic tank or treatment plant and the point where it discharges

to calculate the largest amount you’re likely to discharge - use one of the calculators in the chapter on the general binding rules

to provide a suitable site plan – see an example site plan

Application fees

Your application fee depends on whether your site is a domestic household, charity or another type of organisation.

You’re discharging to ground

The application fee for domestic households and charities to discharge up to 5,000 litres (5 cubic metres) per day is £125.

The fees are different for other organisations.

Size of discharge per day | Fee

Up to 15,000 litres (15 cubic metres) | £2,708

Over 15,000 litres (15 cubic metres) | £5,699

Any volume that contains specific substances | £6,052

You’re discharging to a surface water

Size of discharge per day | Fee

Up to 5,000 litres (5 cubic metres) | £2,534

Between 5,000 litres (5 cubic metres) and 50,000 litres (50 cubic metres) | £4,170

Any volume that contains specific substances | £7,649

Annual fees

There’s an annual subsistence fee for sites that are not domestic households or charities.

Size of discharge per day | Fee

Up to 5,000 litres | £251

Between 5,000 litres and 20,000 litres with operator self monitoring | £823

Between 5,000 litres and 20,000 litres | £890

Between 20,000 litres and 50,000 litres with operator self monitoring | £1,310

How long it takes

You should get a decision on your application within 13 weeks.

You’ll be told if your application may take longer, for example because of planning issues.

Your application is refused

If your application is refused, you’ll be told:

the reasons for refusal

how you can appeal

Complying with your permit

See the guidance on how to comply with your permit, including maintenance, record keeping and pollution reporting requirements.

Get help

You can ask the Environment Agency for help with your application.

You have a cesspool

You do not have to comply with the general binding rules or apply for a permit.

You must maintain your cesspool and make sure it:

is emptied regularly (for example once a month) by a registered waste carrier

does not leak or overflow

The Environment Agency or your local council can make you repair or replace your cesspool if it’s in poor condition.

If you install a new cesspool

You must:

get planning permission and building regulations approval

make sure it has a minimum capacity of 18,000 litres per 2 users (plus another 6,800 litres per each extra user)

Contact

Overview

If your house or business is not connected to the mains sewer, your sewage will go to one of the following:

a septic tank - an underground tank where the solids sink to the bottom and the liquid flows out and soaks through the ground

a cesspool (also called a cesspit) - a sealed tank that collects the sewage

a non-standard system, such as a reed bed or trench arch system

There are different rules for septic tanks and treatment plants in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

You have a non-standard system

You must contact the Environment Agency to find out if you need a permit.

You have a septic tank or small sewage treatment plant

You’re an operator if any of the following is true:

you own the property that uses the system

Contact the Environment Agency if you’re not sure whether you’re an operator.

The general binding rules

You must follow the general binding rules if you’re the operator of a septic tank or small sewage treatment plant.

The sewage must:

not cause pollution - find out how to check for pollution

There are other rules depending on whether you’re releasing this sewage:

to the ground, for example in your back garden

to a surface water, for example a river or stream

Ask your local installation or maintenance company if you’re not sure what sort of system you have.

Releasing to the ground

You must use a septic tank or a small sewage treatment plant and a drainage field (infiltration system).

You must apply for a permit if you release (‘discharge’):

to a well, borehole or other deep structure

more than 2 cubic metres (2,000 litres) per day

in a groundwater source protection zone (SPZ1)

You must also read the additional rules for discharging sewage to the ground.

Calculate how much sewage you discharge

For sewage from a residential property, use the calculator to work out how much you discharge per day.

Work out if you’re in a groundwater source protection zone 1 (SPZ1)

An SPZ1 can be either:

Releasing to a surface water

You must also read the additional rules for discharging sewage to a surface water.

Installing a new system

You must have building regulations approval. You may also need planning permission.

Check with your local council.

If you did not get permission and approval

You must apply retrospectively for building regulations approval. You may also need planning permission.

If your system was installed before 1 January 2015, you should contact your local council for advice.

Apply for a permit

You’ll need a permit if you do not meet the general binding rules.

The form you need to fill in depends on:

where you discharge the sewage

how much you discharge

If you discharge sewage to ground

There are different forms depending on whether you’re in a groundwater protection zone (SPZ1).

Outside an SPZ1

There are different forms if you discharge:

between 2 and 15 cubic metres per day

over 15 cubic metres per day

Inside an SPZ1

If you discharge less than 2 cubic metres per day there are different forms:

for systems in use before 1 January 2015

for those installed on or after 1 January 2015

between 2 and 15 cubic metres per day

over 15 cubic metres per day

If you discharge sewage to a surface water

If you discharge between 5 and 20 cubic metres per day, check if you can apply for a standard rules permit.

If you cannot get a standard rules permit, you’ll need a permit to discharge:

up to 20 cubic metres

over 20 cubic metres

Before you start

You need:

the 8-figure grid reference for your septic tank or treatment plant and the point where it discharges

to calculate the largest amount you’re likely to discharge - use one of the calculators in the chapter on the general binding rules

to provide a suitable site plan – see an example site plan

Application fees

Your application fee depends on whether your site is a domestic household, charity or another type of organisation.

You’re discharging to ground

The application fee for domestic households and charities to discharge up to 5,000 litres (5 cubic metres) per day is £125.

The fees are different for other organisations.

Size of discharge per day | Fee

Up to 15,000 litres (15 cubic metres) | £2,708

Over 15,000 litres (15 cubic metres) | £5,699

Any volume that contains specific substances | £6,052

You’re discharging to a surface water

Size of discharge per day | Fee

Up to 5,000 litres (5 cubic metres) | £2,534

Between 5,000 litres (5 cubic metres) and 50,000 litres (50 cubic metres) | £4,170

Any volume that contains specific substances | £7,649

Annual fees

There’s an annual subsistence fee for sites that are not domestic households or charities.

Size of discharge per day | Fee

Up to 5,000 litres | £251

Between 5,000 litres and 20,000 litres with operator self monitoring | £823

Between 5,000 litres and 20,000 litres | £890

Between 20,000 litres and 50,000 litres with operator self monitoring | £1,310

How long it takes

You should get a decision on your application within 13 weeks.

You’ll be told if your application may take longer, for example because of planning issues.

Your application is refused

If your application is refused, you’ll be told:

the reasons for refusal

how you can appeal

Complying with your permit

See the guidance on how to comply with your permit, including maintenance, record keeping and pollution reporting requirements.

Get help

You can ask the Environment Agency for help with your application.

You have a cesspool

You do not have to comply with the general binding rules or apply for a permit.

You must maintain your cesspool and make sure it:

is emptied regularly (for example once a month) by a registered waste carrier

does not leak or overflow

The Environment Agency or your local council can make you repair or replace your cesspool if it’s in poor condition.

If you install a new cesspool

You must:

get planning permission and building regulations approval

make sure it has a minimum capacity of 18,000 litres per 2 users (plus another 6,800 litres per each extra user)

Contact

You must also read the additional rules for discharging sewage to a surface water.

Overview

If your house or business is not connected to the mains sewer, your sewage will go to one of the following:

a septic tank - an underground tank where the solids sink to the bottom and the liquid flows out and soaks through the ground

a cesspool (also called a cesspit) - a sealed tank that collects the sewage

a non-standard system, such as a reed bed or trench arch system

There are different rules for septic tanks and treatment plants in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

You have a non-standard system

You must contact the Environment Agency to find out if you need a permit.

You have a septic tank or small sewage treatment plant

You’re an operator if any of the following is true:

you own the property that uses the system

Contact the Environment Agency if you’re not sure whether you’re an operator.

The general binding rules

You must follow the general binding rules if you’re the operator of a septic tank or small sewage treatment plant.

The sewage must:

not cause pollution - find out how to check for pollution

There are other rules depending on whether you’re releasing this sewage:

to the ground, for example in your back garden

to a surface water, for example a river or stream

Ask your local installation or maintenance company if you’re not sure what sort of system you have.

Releasing to the ground

You must use a septic tank or a small sewage treatment plant and a drainage field (infiltration system).

You must apply for a permit if you release (‘discharge’):

to a well, borehole or other deep structure

more than 2 cubic metres (2,000 litres) per day

in a groundwater source protection zone (SPZ1)

You must also read the additional rules for discharging sewage to the ground.

Calculate how much sewage you discharge

For sewage from a residential property, use the calculator to work out how much you discharge per day.

Work out if you’re in a groundwater source protection zone 1 (SPZ1)

An SPZ1 can be either:

Releasing to a surface water

You must also read the additional rules for discharging sewage to a surface water.

Installing a new system

You must have building regulations approval. You may also need planning permission.

Check with your local council.

If you did not get permission and approval

You must apply retrospectively for building regulations approval. You may also need planning permission.

If your system was installed before 1 January 2015, you should contact your local council for advice.

Apply for a permit

You’ll need a permit if you do not meet the general binding rules.

The form you need to fill in depends on:

where you discharge the sewage

how much you discharge

If you discharge sewage to ground

There are different forms depending on whether you’re in a groundwater protection zone (SPZ1).

Outside an SPZ1

There are different forms if you discharge:

between 2 and 15 cubic metres per day

over 15 cubic metres per day

Inside an SPZ1

If you discharge less than 2 cubic metres per day there are different forms:

for systems in use before 1 January 2015

for those installed on or after 1 January 2015

between 2 and 15 cubic metres per day

over 15 cubic metres per day

If you discharge sewage to a surface water

If you discharge between 5 and 20 cubic metres per day, check if you can apply for a standard rules permit.

If you cannot get a standard rules permit, you’ll need a permit to discharge:

up to 20 cubic metres

over 20 cubic metres

Before you start

You need:

the 8-figure grid reference for your septic tank or treatment plant and the point where it discharges

to calculate the largest amount you’re likely to discharge - use one of the calculators in the chapter on the general binding rules

to provide a suitable site plan – see an example site plan

Application fees

Your application fee depends on whether your site is a domestic household, charity or another type of organisation.

You’re discharging to ground

The application fee for domestic households and charities to discharge up to 5,000 litres (5 cubic metres) per day is £125.

The fees are different for other organisations.

Size of discharge per day | Fee

Up to 15,000 litres (15 cubic metres) | £2,708

Over 15,000 litres (15 cubic metres) | £5,699

Any volume that contains specific substances | £6,052

You’re discharging to a surface water

Size of discharge per day | Fee

Up to 5,000 litres (5 cubic metres) | £2,534

Between 5,000 litres (5 cubic metres) and 50,000 litres (50 cubic metres) | £4,170

Any volume that contains specific substances | £7,649

Annual fees

There’s an annual subsistence fee for sites that are not domestic households or charities.

Size of discharge per day | Fee

Up to 5,000 litres | £251

Between 5,000 litres and 20,000 litres with operator self monitoring | £823

Between 5,000 litres and 20,000 litres | £890

Between 20,000 litres and 50,000 litres with operator self monitoring | £1,310

How long it takes

You should get a decision on your application within 13 weeks.

You’ll be told if your application may take longer, for example because of planning issues.

Your application is refused

If your application is refused, you’ll be told:

the reasons for refusal

how you can appeal

Complying with your permit

See the guidance on how to comply with your permit, including maintenance, record keeping and pollution reporting requirements.

Get help

You can ask the Environment Agency for help with your application.

You have a cesspool

You do not have to comply with the general binding rules or apply for a permit.

You must maintain your cesspool and make sure it:

is emptied regularly (for example once a month) by a registered waste carrier

does not leak or overflow

The Environment Agency or your local council can make you repair or replace your cesspool if it’s in poor condition.

If you install a new cesspool

You must:

get planning permission and building regulations approval

make sure it has a minimum capacity of 18,000 litres per 2 users (plus another 6,800 litres per each extra user)

Contact