A Guide To Septic Tank Regulations

As a vital defence of the environment and to protect against water pollution, the septic tank regulations were updated by the Environment Agency in 2023. In this article, we’ll discuss the septic tank regulations for England (Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have different rules).

The most recent updates to the regulations do not impose deadlines, as such, but more outline how a septic tank and sewage treatment plants should continuously comply. This month at Express Drainage Surveys, we’re going to explain the key rules, how to check your system and what to do if it doesn’t comply with regulations.

As experienced drainage experts, we offer professional inspections and reports on your drainage system to help you ensure everything meets these legal standards.

What are septic tanks and how do they work?

A septic tank is a way for properties to treat and separate the wastewater produced. This can be from toilets, showers, sinks and even appliances such as dishwashers. They’re more commonly found as part of rural or off-grid properties where they are without access to mains sewers for this important function.

The tank itself is situated underground and fills with the wastewater. The solid matter then separates from the liquid, which is treated before being gradually released as effluent into the ground nearby or via a drainage field. The drainage field naturally disperses and filters it further, but some older systems may discharge directly into nearby watercourses.

And it’s that final point which makes the septic tank regulations so important.

Why septic tank regulations exist

The most recent updates to the septic tank regulations seek to prevent environmental harm. As previously mentioned, some older systems are designed so that some untreated wastewater can be discharged into rivers, ditches and groundwater. Clearly, this does not align with the UK’s stance on clean water and sustainability.

The goal of septic tank legal guidelines is to ensure that all private drainage systems operate safely and responsibly.

The current septic tank regulations (as of 2023-2025)

The government website contains many details on the different scenarios for those people whose property uses a septic tank or sewage treatment facility. However, the most important part of the current septic tank regulations is the General Binding Rules (GBR).

These rules cover small sewage discharges directly into surface water in England. Here are the core requirements you should be aware of:

Your septic tank must not discharge directly into surface water such as rivers, streams or ditches.
Discharges into the ground should be done so through a properly designed drainage field or infiltration system.
No discharges should be sent to soakaways; these are now only suitable for filtering surface water, such as rain. You instead need a drainage field.
Septic tank systems must be correctly maintained and emptied on a regular basis.
If your system causes pollution or fails to meet regulations, you must repair or replace it.
For larger systems or if you are unable to meet the GBRs for any reason, you will require a permit.

There is no deadline date for you to get your septic tank up to the standards required by the regulations. Compliance is ongoing, and you should act immediately if your system fails or pollutes to safeguard your property as well as the surrounding environment.

How the regulations affect homeowners

As a homeowner, you are the legally responsible party for your private drainage system. If you are a tenant, it is not your responsibility; this falls to your landlord.

You should be aware that the local authorities and the Environment Agency can take enforcement action against property owners who do not abide by the regulations and where pollution occurs.

If you have a septic tank system that discharges into a watercourse, this is now considered to be non-compliant. You will be expected to upgrade your septic tank – either with a drainage field or by replacing it with a sewage treatment plant – when any issues arise. You can also choose to connect to the mains sewer if this is now feasible for your property.

Suppose you’re a homeowner with a septic tank and you need to sell your property. In that case, you should be able to provide written documentation regarding the location of the system, the type and any maintenance that has been carried out. If you’re the buyer, you should request a recent inspection report to help you confirm that the septic tank system meets the latest compliance measures.

Maintenance and inspection requirements

Compliance with the regulations stipulates that maintenance of your septic tank is just as important to ensure it does not lead to pollution. This ongoing responsibility includes the need to:

Empty your septic tank annually or more frequently if it has reached capacity
Keep written records of maintenance, inspections and any repairs carried out
Arrange professional inspections to detect structural or hydraulic issues early
Schedule regular maintenance to extend the lifespan of your system and avoid enforcement problems

The benefits of septic tank compliance

While it’s easy to think of regulations as more red tape to deal with, there is value in following the latest septic tank rules:

By preventing pollution caused by your system, you are protecting local wildlife
You reduce the risk of expensive repairs, fines or property sale delays
You increase buyer confidence in your property and improve the valuation
You’re supporting the UK’s broader sustainability and clean water targets

Stay on top of your drainage compliance with Express Drainage Surveys

The Environment Agency’s rules focus heavily on the responsibility of homeowners to ensure that proper discharge and maintenance of septic tanks is taking place. Compliance, therefore, isn’t just about deadlines – it’s about the ongoing good practice.

To help you ensure every aspect of your drainage systems is in top condition, our dedicated engineers can provide a whole range of services, including, but not limited to:

Book a professional drainage survey for your property today by contacting our team, and we’ll help you to ensure your system remains compliant, avoiding pollution to the surrounding environment and watercourses.