Are you ready for the new septic tank regulations?

Over the Christmas break, many people consider putting their property on the market in the new year. 

However, if you are classed as an operator of a septic tank that drains into a ditch, stream, surface water or any other type of watercourse, you will need to either upgrade or replace your drainage system under the new General Binding Rules introduced by the Environment Agency by 1 January 2020, or when you sell your property if it is before this date.

In order to effect a positive change to the environment, the General Binding Rules were put in place to protect our rivers and streams from pollution caused by the flow of sewage into watercourses. 

If your septic tank system was discharging before 31 December 2014, this is known as an “existing discharge” and is no longer deemed to be safe. The Environment Agency require that these systems are replaced with compliant systems before 1 January 2020.

You will also be required to replace your septic system before 1 January 2020 and within 365 days of being notified if it is causing pollution and is a risk to the environment.

If you are thinking of buying a property that has a septic tank, you will need to find out what type of system it is. We recommend that you speak to a surveyor so that you know what you are buying. You may find that the seller of the property should have upgraded the system.

You can find more information about the Rules on the Environment Agency's website.

If you are thinking of buying or selling a property, our residential conveyancing team are here to help. We are up-to-date with all of the rules, and we will provide you with professional, cost-effective and personal service.

Contact us today for a free quote for our services.