General Binding Rules
Smart Drainz advises homeowners and businesses on the General Binding Rules set by the Environment Agency. Covering the South of England, we ensure septic tanks and sewage treatment plants remain compliant, lawful, and environmentally safe through expert assessments and maintenance.
For help with General Binding Rules anywhere in the South of England, call Smart Drainz on 03332 027129.
For help with General Binding Rules anywhere in the South of England, call Smart Drainz on 03332 027129.
For help with General Binding Rules anywhere in the South of England, call Smart Drainz on 03332 027129.
For help with General Binding Rules anywhere in the South of England, call Smart Drainz on 03332 027129.
- Smart Drainz -
Helping Clients in Ringwood, Hampshire & All Southern Locations Comply With the General Binding Rules
Property owners and commercial site managers must be aware of their legal obligations under the General Binding Rules. Issued by the Environment Agency, these apply to small sewage discharges from septic tanks and sewage treatment plants, and determine whether a permit is required for your system. In the interest of environmental protection and public health, ensuring full compliance with these rules is essential.
Whether overseeing new drainage installations, inspecting existing systems before a property purchase, or assessing older septic tanks, Smart Drainz helps clients across the South of England interpret and meet the General Binding Rules in line with the latest drainage regulations. Failure to comply could result in pollution incidents, enforcement notices, or legal action.
We are available to visit sites across the South of England in key areas such as Andover, Beaulieu, Bournemouth, Brockenhurst, New Forest, Portsmouth, Ringwood, Salisbury, Southampton, Dorset, Hampshire, Somerset, Surrey, West Berkshire, West Sussex, and Wiltshire.
What Are the General Binding Rules?
The General Binding Rules are a set of statutory conditions laid out by the Environment Agency in England. They apply to any domestic or commercial property that discharges up to 2,000 litres of treated wastewater per day to the ground via a drainage field, or up to 5,000 litres to a flowing watercourse. These rules apply across locations such as Brockenhurst, Ringwood, Andover, Beaulieu, and the broader New Forest area.
They are designed to regulate discharges from:
- Traditional septic tanks
- Modern sewage treatment plants
To remain within the scope of the General Binding Rules, you must meet strict technical requirements, which include:
- Ensuring your discharge does not cause pollution
- Correctly positioning your system at a minimum distance from buildings, water sources and boundaries
- Using a properly maintained and functioning system
- Preventing direct discharge from septic tanks into surface water, such as streams or rivers
- Emptying and servicing the system regularly using a registered waste carrier
If your installation fails to meet these standards, you may need to upgrade, relocate or replace your system—or apply for an environmental permit.
When Might You Require Assistance in Meeting General Binding Rules?
Not all systems automatically meet the General Binding Rules, particularly older drainage installations or properties situated on challenging terrain within the New Forest, Beaulieu, or Ringwood. You may require expert support if:
- Your septic tank discharges directly into a watercourse (e.g. stream, river, ditch)
- The system is within 50 metres of a well, borehole or spring used for drinking water
- The volume of discharge exceeds regulatory thresholds
- There are signs of pollution such as foul odours, pooling, or effluent visible in nearby ditches
- You plan to sell a property and need to provide proof of system compliance
Property owners often find that legacy systems were installed long before modern drainage regulations were introduced. Upgrades are often necessary to achieve the environmental standards required by law.
