Septic tank legislation

Northern Ireland

Water (Northern Ireland) Order 1999 SI 662 (including amendments up to 2004)

Revokes and replaces the Water Act (Northern Ireland) 1972 and makes provision for discharge consents. Enables DAERA to set water quality objectives and prevent pollution from anti-pollution works.

Water Environment (Water Framework Directive) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2017 SR81

Revokes and replaces the Water Environment (Water Framework Directive) Regulations 2003. They transpose the Water Framework Directive.  The Regulations will continue to provide for the monitoring, assessment and improvement of the condition of water bodies in order to meet the objectives of the Water Framework Directive.

Scotland

Water Environment (Controlled Activities) (Scotland) Regulations 2011 SSI 209

Replaces CAR 2005/348 (as amended). Increases the transparency and efficiency of processing applications for water use licences, and increases flexibility to deal with emergencies with imminent risks of serious harm to people, property or the environment.

In this Guideline

How septic tanks work

What shouldn't go into a septic tank

Maintaining your septic tank

Register your septic tank

What can go wrong with a septic tank

New tanks - Planning waste water and sewage treatment

Treatment of septic tank discharge where no soakaway is possible

If a septic tank can't be installed on your site

Septic tank legislation