What is a General binding rules

The General Binding Rules (GBRs) are a set of legally enforceable standards established by the UK government to regulate the operation and discharge of small domestic sewage treatment systems — such as septic tanks, package treatment plants, and cesspools — without the need for an individual environmental permit. These rules are designed to protect public health and the environment, particularly local watercourses and groundwater, from pollution caused by improperly managed private wastewater systems.

The GBRs apply in England, and similar regulations exist under devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, often with regional variations.

Purpose of the General Binding Rules

The General Binding Rules aim to:

  • Prevent pollution of rivers, streams, lakes, and groundwater
  • Set minimum operating and maintenance standards for private systems
  • Reduce the administrative burden on households and small businesses by offering a permit-free route to legal compliance
  • Promote sustainable and environmentally responsible wastewater management

They apply to systems that discharge up to 2,000 litres per day to the ground or up to 5,000 litres per day to surface water, which typically covers most single dwellings and small businesses in rural areas.

Systems Covered by the Rules

The GBRs apply to:

  • Septic tanks discharging to the ground via a drainage field (soakaway)
  • Small sewage treatment plants discharging to either ground or surface water
  • Cesspits (cesspools) used solely for containment with no discharge (subject to separate rules)
  • Combined systems serving up to 13 people, depending on the daily flow rate

Systems serving larger populations or discharging greater volumes will require a bespoke environmental permit from the Environment Agency.

Key Requirements of the General Binding Rules

Property owners or system operators must comply with a range of conditions, including:

1. Discharge Location

  • Septic tanks must discharge only to ground via a drainage field that meets British Standard BS 6297.
  • Discharges to surface water (rivers, ditches, etc.) must use a small sewage treatment plant that produces treated effluent — septic tanks must not discharge directly to a watercourse.
  • If discharging near sensitive sites (e.g. protected habitats or drinking water zones), a permit may still be required.

2. Volume Limits

  • Maximum discharge to ground: 2,000 litres/day
  • Maximum discharge to surface water: 5,000 litres/day
  • Flow volumes must be calculated using the British Water Flows and Loads guidance.

3. Installation and Maintenance

  • Systems must be correctly installed, preferably by a professional, and comply with Building Regulations.
  • Routine maintenance and emptying must be carried out by a registered waste carrier.
  • The system must be kept in good working order, free from leaks, blockages, and overflows.

4. Change of Use or Ownership

  • New owners must be informed of the system and their responsibilities.
  • If you start a new discharge, relocate your system, or change its usage (e.g. converting a residential home to a commercial unit), you may need to notify the Environment Agency.

5. Proximity to Water Sources

  • Discharges to ground must be at least 50 metres from any drinking water source (e.g. wells or boreholes).
  • Systems must not be located in groundwater Source Protection Zone 1 without a permit.

Enforcement and Compliance

Failure to comply with the General Binding Rules can result in enforcement action by the Environment Agency, including:

  • Improvement notices
  • Fines or prosecution
  • Orders to cease discharges or upgrade/replacement of the system

In serious cases, non-compliant discharges can cause environmental harm, including pollution of drinking water supplies, ecological damage, and risks to human health.

Recent Changes and Upgrades

As of 1 January 2020, a significant rule change came into effect:

  • Septic tanks that discharge directly to surface water are no longer permitted.
  • These systems must be replaced with a compliant treatment plant or redirected to a properly designed drainage field.

This rule was introduced to improve water quality and reduce pollution from partially treated effluent.

When a Permit Is Required

An environmental permit is required if:

  • Your discharge exceeds the volume thresholds
  • You are in or near a sensitive area, such as a designated habitat
  • You do not meet one or more of the General Binding Rules
  • You are discharging to ground in non-permeable soil or without a drainage field
  • You are operating a non-standard or commercial-scale treatment facility

Summary Checklist for Property Owners

To comply with the General Binding Rules, owners of small sewage systems should:

  • Know what type of system they have (septic tank, treatment plant, etc.)
  • Confirm where it discharges (ground or surface water)
  • Check that it meets volume limits and location requirements
  • Ensure regular maintenance and desludging
  • Keep records of servicing and waste removal
  • Inform new owners if the property is sold

Conclusion

The General Binding Rules offer a simplified yet robust framework for regulating small sewage discharges in rural and off-grid areas. They are designed to safeguard water quality, support public health, and avoid the need for complex permitting processes — provided that systems are properly installed, operated, and maintained. For homeowners, developers, and drainage professionals, understanding and applying the General Binding Rules is essential to legal compliance and environmental protection.