If you have a property with a septic tank, there are some changes to the law coming in 2020 that may impact you. Don’t wait until then to investigate these, as you may have to take action now to be compliant when they come in!
By 1st January 2020 your septic tank will no longer be allowed to discharge directly to a surface water such as a river or a stream. If your Septic tank currently discharges to a drainage field (soakaway) into the ground, at present you will not be affected by these changes.
If your septic tank is currently discharging directly into a surface water don’t panic but read on to get a grasp of your options moving forward. But do make sure you pick the best option for you as doing nothing means you will find yourself in breach of the regulations from January 1st, 2020. This is a legal requirement so should be taken seriously.
Not Sure if you are affected? click here...Depending on your location, land and situation you could look to implement one of the following:
This is probably the least likely option but should not be ruled out, a septic tank was most likely installed because there was no prospect to join your property to mains drainage at the time it was built. However, development of land around you since may well have opened this up as an option, contacting your local water company will answer this question for you.
If you have the land available this is likely the cheapest and easiest way to make your sewage system compliant with the upcoming 2020 regulations. This involves installing a soakaway into the ground which your septic tank would discharge to and compete its final treatment before soaking into the ground. This however is not a full-term solution as generally a soakaway only has a lifespan of around 25 years before it would need replacing.
This is most likely going to be your best choice of action, a new sewage treatment plant, specified to your exact requirements and compliant to BS EN 12566 standards will allow you to continue to discharge to a water course by treating all effluent to the requirements needed.
Each of these come with their own considerations and you should seek advice to ensure you are making the correct decision for your specific requirements.
You must make sure you meet all the requirements by January 1st 2020 or before if you intend to sell the property. If this is the case you must provide your buyer with written documentation of what you have done to ensure compliance along with details of how you system works and where/how it discharges it final effluent.
If you are at all unsure of how to proceed do not hesitate to contact us or the environment agency and we will be happy to discuss your circumstances and requirements with you.
With many years of experience in the industry, we have built an extensive list of clients that return year after year to receive the high level of service we provide.
As in the past, prompt and reliable. Made an effort to fit my urgent callout into their schedule. Knowledgeable and courteous crew. Would not hesitate to recommend this company.
10/10 Customer in Leatherhead
Excellent service. The operators could not have been more helpful. Both very professional and solution-focused.
10/10 Customer in Cobham
It was so refreshing to have such an excellent service completed to such a high standard. The chaps were incredibly knowledgeable and helpful and they have my highest recommendation. I will certainly be using them again for our new build.
10/10 Customer in Horsham
Very good indeed , especially operator Tom French
9/10 Customer in Lingfield
Very efficient. Willing to change the time at short notice to suit us. Prompt and quick service. Also gave informative advice re a new tank.
10/10 Customer in Horley