Understanding the General Binding Rules 2020 for Waste Water Treatment in the UK

martinyoung5
May 5
3 min read

Are you planning a new building away from to a public foul sewer ?

If you are, this is what you need to know

What Are the General Binding Rules?

The General Binding Rules are a set of legal requirements that allow small sewage discharges to occur without the need for an environmental permit, provided certain conditions are met. These rules are enforced by the Environment Agency in England and are designed to protect water quality and the wider environment.

Who Do the Rules Apply To?

The rules apply to anyone who operates a septic tank or small sewage treatment plant that discharges:

To surface water (e.g. rivers, streams, lakes, canals, or coastal waters), or
To the ground (e.g. via a drainage field or soakaway system).

You are considered the "operator" if you own the property, share the system with neighbours, or have a tenancy agreement that makes you responsible for the system.

Key Requirements of the Rules

To comply with the General Binding Rules, you must ensure the following:

Volume Limits:

Discharges to surface water must not exceed 5 cubic metres (5,000 litres) per day.
Discharges to the ground must not exceed 2 cubic metres (2,000 litres) per day.

System Maintenance:

Your treatment system must be regularly maintained and de-sludged by a registered waste carrier.
It must be installed and operated correctly, without causing pollution or nuisance.

Location Restrictions:

Discharges must not be made within 50 metres of a private water supply (e.g. a well or borehole).
For surface water discharges, the outfall must not be into a protected site (e.g. a Site of Special Scientific Interest).

Planning and Building Regulations:

You must have the necessary planning permission and building regulations approval for your system.

Notification and Records:

While you don’t need a permit, you may need to notify the Environment Agency in some cases, especially for new discharges.
Keep records of maintenance and any changes to the system.

Before diving into the technicalities of the General Binding Rules, it’s important to ask yourself a few critical questions - especially if you're building a new home or managing a property off the mains sewer network:

Do you know whether your site is suitable for a discharge to ground or surface water?
Have you checked if your proposed discharge location is near a protected water source or sensitive site?
Are you confident your system will meet the daily discharge volume limits?
Do you understand the maintenance responsibilities and costs involved?
Have you factored in the need for planning permission and building regulations approval?
What would it cost you financially and legally if your system caused pollution or failed to comply with the rules?
Have you consulted a drainage designer early enough to avoid delays or redesigns?

If any of these questions give you pause, then understanding the General Binding Rules 2020 is essential.

Why New Homeowners Must Understand Drainage Design

If you're planning to build a new home, understanding the General Binding Rules is not just a legal necessity, it’s a practical one. Here's why:

1. Site Suitability and Planning

Drainage designers assess the soil type, groundwater levels, and proximity to watercourses to determine whether a discharge to ground or surface water is feasible. Choosing the wrong system or location can lead to pollution, planning refusal, or costly redesigns.

2. System Selection

Designers help select the most appropriate system, whether a septic tank, package treatment plant, or reed bed system, based on the number of occupants, usage patterns, and environmental constraints. This ensures compliance with the GBRs and long-term functionality.

3. Regulatory Compliance

A drainage designer ensures that your system meets British Standards, is installed correctly, and complies with both the General Binding Rules and Building Regulations. This avoids enforcement action and protects your investment.

4. Future-Proofing

Designers consider future expansion, climate resilience, and maintenance access, helping you avoid problems down the line. A well-designed system is more efficient, environmentally friendly, and easier to maintain.

5. Avoiding Delays and Costs

Failure to engage a qualified drainage designer early in the planning process can result in planning delays, additional surveys, or even rejection of your application. Early involvement ensures a smoother build process and avoids costly mistakes.

Final Thoughts

The General Binding Rules are designed to make it easier for property owners to manage waste water responsibly, while protecting the environment. If you operate a septic tank or small treatment plant, or are planning to build a new home, it’s essential to understand your obligations and work with qualified drainage professionals.