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 it comes to sewage treatment, what you don’t know can hurt you—especially your wallet. Whether you’re a homeowner in Dorset, a landlord on the South Coast, or a property manager anywhere in the UK, staying compliant with sewage treatment plant laws isn’t just a good idea—it’s a legal must.
Sewage treatment plants are designed to safely process wastewater where a property isn’t connected to the main sewer system. But if they’re not properly maintained or legally compliant, they can cause pollution, damage the environment, and get you in serious trouble.
In the UK, the Environment Agency enforces regulations that cover everything from installation to discharge. And the penalties for breaking those rules? They range from hefty fines to prosecution—not to mention delays if you’re trying to sell your home.
That’s why it’s critical to stay on the right side of the law.
Contact our Team TodayThe cornerstone of UK sewage treatment plant laws is a set of standards known as the General Binding Rules (GBR). These rules govern small sewage discharges from treatment plants and septic tanks in England.
If you own or manage a sewage treatment system, you’re legally required to follow them.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what they cover:
Type of system: It must be a recognised and approved sewage treatment plant or septic tank.
Discharge method: Wastewater can only be discharged to a drainage field or watercourse (but only if your system is suitable and legal for this).
Flow limits: For domestic use, you’re limited to 2,000 litres per day if discharging to the ground, and 5,000 litres if discharging to surface water.
Maintenance: The system must be regularly serviced and maintained by a professional.
Registration: Some discharges must be registered with the Environment Agency, especially in sensitive zones.
Important: If your discharge doesn’t meet the General Binding Rules, you’ll need an environmental permit.
Learn MoreHere are some of the most frequent reasons Dorset and South Coast homeowners end up on the wrong side of the law:
Discharging directly to a ditch or stream with an outdated septic tank
(This became illegal in 2020 unless upgraded to a compliant system.)
Failure to service the system regularly
(Skipping maintenance? You’re violating the General Binding Rules.)
Not checking flow limits before discharging
(Too much flow = permit needed.)
Ignoring registration requirements
(Some zones demand formal registration even for small discharges.)
Unaware of planning or building regulations
(Many installations still need Building Control approval.)
If any of this sounds familiar, don’t panic—but do act.
Book in TodayIn Dorset and along the South Coast, local councils and the Environment Agency have been tightening inspections—especially in rural and coastal areas where groundwater contamination is a risk.
Homeowners near Poole, Bournemouth, and Weymouth should take extra care, as many homes sit in nitrate vulnerable zones (NVZs) or protected aquifers. These areas often require environmental permits, even for small domestic discharges.
Get in TouchKeeping up with all this might sound overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be.
At Pro Sewage Treatment, we specialise in:
System servicing & repairs
Installation of compliant sewage treatment plants
Environmental permit advice
Discharge assessments and compliance checks
Whether you’re unsure about your current setup or planning a new installation, we’re here to help you stay compliant, avoid fines, and protect the environment.
Get in TouchSewage treatment compliance isn’t just a regulatory box to tick—it’s essential for protecting your property, your wallet, and the environment. With UK laws getting stricter and enforcement more active, especially across Dorset and the South Coast, there’s no time like the present to check your system.
So if you’re not sure whether your setup is legal, don’t leave it to chance. A quick check today could save you thousands of pounds tomorrow.
Need advice or a compliance check? Get in touch with the friendly experts at Pro Sewage Treatment—because when it comes to sewage systems, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Get in Touch