Welcome to Pro Drainage Group, the United Kingdom’s prime specialists in domestic and commercial sewage treatment plants. We’re proud to be renowned as the country’s foremost authority in installing, repairing, and maintaining all kinds of sewage treatment plants.
When you run a small business—be it a rural café, workshop, or a countryside holiday let—your infrastructure decisions can directly affect your bottom line. One such decision? Choosing the right water treatment plant to manage your wastewater.
Many small business owners find themselves stuck between confusing terminology, regulatory red tape, and a myriad of product options—all while trying to ensure compliance and keep overheads low. This guide cuts through the noise to help you confidently choose the best sewage treatment plant for your small business. We’ll explore how systems work, what features to look for, expert insights, and even answer questions like “Does a sewage treatment plant need a drainage field?”
Contact usA water treatment plant for a small business does far more than just “deal with waste.” It treats wastewater to a standard that’s clean enough to be safely discharged into the environment—often into a local watercourse or drainage field, depending on regulations.
The system typically includes:
Primary chamber: for separating solids
Aeration chamber: where bacteria break down contaminants
Final settlement chamber: to clarify and release treated water
A common and critical question: does a sewage treatment plant need a drainage field?
The Regulatory Answer
According to the UK Environment Agency, not all STPs (sewage treatment plants) need a traditional drainage field. If the treated effluent meets high quality standards, it can often be discharged directly into a watercourse. But that’s only applicable if:
You have a permit (or are eligible for an exemption)
Your discharge site meets environmental regulations
If you can’t meet these conditions, a local soakaway installation (also known as a drainage field) is required to slowly disperse the treated water into the ground.
Real-World Example
Take Fern Hollow Farm, a rural bed-and-breakfast in Somerset. They installed a small STP in 2022 and were able to bypass a drainage field by discharging into a nearby stream—after securing the necessary permits and verifying output quality.
Get in TouchSome systems use electricity to power aerators. Models with gravity-fed designs can cut long-term costs but might require a bigger installation footprint.
Location and Terrain
If you’re in an area with high groundwater or clay soil, a local soakaway installation may be more complex and expensive. In such cases, exploring a sewage farm near me option might offer a scalable solution—especially if multiple small businesses can share a communal system.
Book in TodayIn some cases—especially for business parks or multiple cottages—a shared sewage farm system could be more cost-effective. These are larger versions of STPs managed by professional operators. However:
Initial costs are higher
Planning and shared responsibility can be complex
But in the long term, shared costs and lower per-user maintenance make this a viable option for many small business clusters.
Learn MoreChoosing the best sewage treatment plant for your small business is a strategic decision that can pay dividends in operational efficiency, legal compliance, and environmental responsibility. Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur or a small rural team, there’s a system tailored to your needs.
Your Next Steps
Assess your wastewater volume
Research ‘sewage treatment plant near me’ to shortlist local options
Book a soil test and site survey
Compare service contracts from local STP providers
Ensure the installer is certified and experienced
When you choose wisely, your water treatment plant becomes a silent partner in your business success—doing the dirty work while you focus on what you do best.
Get in Touch Today