What are the General Binding Rules for septic tanks?

The General Binding Rules are Environment Agency regulations that govern how septic tanks and sewage treatment plants must operate in England. They replaced the need for individual permits for small domestic systems, provided you meet all the conditions. The rules cover discharge limits, maintenance requirements, and what you can and cannot do with your off-mains drainage system.

Can I still discharge to a watercourse from a septic tank?

No. Since 1 January 2020, you cannot discharge septic tank effluent directly to a watercourse (stream, river, ditch, or pond) in England. You must either install a drainage field for ground discharge, upgrade to a sewage treatment plant, or connect to mains sewerage if available within 30 metres.

Do I need a permit for my septic tank under the General Binding Rules?

If you meet all the General Binding Rules conditions, you do not need an Environment Agency permit. However, you must register your system with the Environment Agency if it was installed after 1 January 2015. If you cannot meet the rules, you will need to apply for an environmental permit.

What happens if I don't comply with the General Binding Rules?

Non-compliance can result in Environment Agency enforcement action. This may include warning letters, requirement notices to make changes, or prosecution for pollution offences. If you're selling a property, non-compliant drainage will be flagged in searches and can delay or prevent sales.

How do I know if my septic tank complies with the General Binding Rules?

Your system complies if it: discharges to a correctly sized drainage field (not a watercourse), is properly maintained with regular emptying, does not cause pollution or nuisance, and has sufficient treatment capacity for your property. A professional assessment or CCTV survey can confirm compliance.

General Binding Rules Explained: UK Septic Tank & Treatment Plant Compliance

The General Binding Rules are Environment Agency regulations that govern how septic tanks and sewage treatment plants must operate in England. This guide explains what they mean for homeowners in plain English.

Quick Answer The General Binding Rules replaced permits for small off-mains drainage systems. If your septic tank or treatment plant meets all the rules, you don't need a permit. The key rule since 2020: septic tanks can no longer discharge to streams or ditches—only to the ground via a drainage field.

What Are the General Binding Rules?

The General Binding Rules (GBRs) are a set of conditions published by the Environment Agency and DEFRA that apply to small sewage discharges in England. They came into effect on 1 January 2015 and were strengthened on 1 January 2020.

If you meet all the conditions in the rules, you can operate your septic tank or treatment plant without applying for an environmental permit. If you cannot meet the rules, you must apply for a permit or make changes to your system.

The 2020 Rule Change: No More Watercourse Discharge

Key Change Since 1 January 2020, septic tanks in England can no longer discharge directly to a watercourse (stream, river, ditch, or pond). You must discharge to a drainage field, upgrade to a treatment plant, or connect to mains sewerage.

This was the most significant change to the rules. Before 2020, many septic tanks discharged directly to ditches or streams. This is now prohibited because septic tank effluent is not treated to a high enough standard.

Your Options If You Currently Discharge to a Watercourse

Install a drainage field — If soil conditions allow, redirect discharge to the ground
Upgrade to a sewage treatment plant — These produce cleaner effluent that may discharge to water (with registration)
Connect to mains sewerage — Required if a public sewer is within 30 metres

Key Requirements Under the General Binding Rules

To operate without a permit, your system must meet ALL these conditions:

No pollution — Your discharge must not cause pollution of surface water or groundwater
Discharge to ground only (septic tanks) — Via a correctly sized and designed drainage field
Maximum 2m³ per day — For domestic use, discharge limited to 2 cubic metres daily
50-metre separation — Must be at least 50 metres from any drinking water supply
Proper maintenance — Regular emptying and servicing required
Adequate treatment — System must be sized for the property's actual usage
British Standard design — Drainage fields must meet BS 6297:2007+A1:2008

Do I Need to Register My System?

Registration requirements depend on when your system was installed:

Installed before 1 January 2015: No registration required, but you must still comply with the rules
Installed on or after 1 January 2015: You must register with the Environment Agency
Sewage treatment plants discharging to water: Must register regardless of installation date

Registration is free and can be done online through GOV.UK.

What If I Can't Meet the Rules?

If your property cannot meet the General Binding Rules—for example, if soil conditions prevent a drainage field—you must apply for an environmental permit from the Environment Agency.

Common reasons for needing a permit:

Discharge exceeds 2 cubic metres per day
Property is in a sensitive area (Source Protection Zone, SSSI, etc.)
Soil is unsuitable for drainage field (failed percolation test)
Cannot meet 50-metre separation from water supply

Selling a Property with Off-Mains Drainage

When selling a property, solicitors will check drainage compliance as part of conveyancing. Non-compliant systems can delay or prevent sales.

Before Selling Get a professional drainage assessment or CCTV survey. Buyers will want proof that your septic tank or treatment plant meets the General Binding Rules. If it doesn't, you may need to upgrade before completion.

Enforcement and Penalties

The Environment Agency can take action if your system doesn't comply:

Warning letter — Advising you to make changes
Compliance notice — Formal requirement to fix problems within a deadline
Prosecution — For serious or persistent pollution offences
Civil sanctions — Financial penalties without criminal prosecution

Pollution incidents that harm fish, wildlife, or water quality are taken seriously and can result in significant fines.

Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland

The General Binding Rules apply to England only. Other UK nations have their own regulations:

Scotland: SEPA (Scottish Environment Protection Agency) regulates private drainage with similar rules
Wales: Natural Resources Wales has equivalent requirements under the Environmental Permitting Regulations
Northern Ireland: Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) manages private drainage regulations