Bacteria from sewage pollution can cause water quality to drop in rivers and at beaches, impacting people enjoying these amenities.

If you’re not connected to the main sewer and use a private treatment system, such as a cesspit or septic tank, it’s your responsibility to ensure you’re not polluting the environment or causing an issue to public health.

Cesspit/cesspool

• empty it when full (usually every six-12 months) using a registered waste carrier who has a waste disposal license
• you’re ultimately responsible for disposing of your waste safely – if it’s not, you could be prosecuted
• fix any leaks immediately
• fit a high-level alarm so you know when your cesspit/cesspool needs to be emptied (before it overflows).

Septic tank

• you’re responsible for disposing of your waste  safely – if you don’t, you could be prosecuted
• inspect it regularly
• fix any faults or problems immediately
• protect the draining field – don’t dig, drive, plant or build on it. 

If you spot any of these signs, contact an Environment Agency registered contractor as soon as possible:

• drains slow to clear or toilets backing up
• spongy ground or lush vegetation/grass growing above the drainage field or soak away
• dark, smelly liquid at the discharge pipe. If you have consent to discharge are you still discharging the consented volume?

Systems’ dos and don’ts

Do

• call a professional if you spot sewage smells or pools of water near systems, or you see sludge, foam, loo paper or grey fungus in local watercourses
• inspect the system once a month and keep records of them
  secure all covers
• only put the three ‘Ps’ down your system — pee, poo and toilet paper
  use natural cleaning products such as bicarbonate of soda, vinegar and lemon juice. They won’t kill the bacteria that breaks down the sewage
• empty your tank regularly so it doesn’t leak or overflow and use a registered waste carrier.

Don’t

• put unflushables such as wipes, nappies, paper towels, fats, oils or greases down the sink or toilet
• use caustic solutions to unblock drains – use hot water or drain rods
• let rainwater enter the system – it can cause overfilling which dilutes the natural bacteria preventing the system working properly
• enter a septic tank or cesspit/cesspool – dangerous toxic gases build up which can be fatal
• use harsh cleaning products such as bleach, or use sparingly, they can kill the bacteria breaking down the sewage
• block air vents.

Effects to your pocket and the environment

• maintaining your sewage system will save you money in the long run (a few hundred pounds per year to maintain is better than replacing a system which could cost thousands)
• if your system’s unusable, it could lower the value of your property
  if your property’s a holiday let, poor maintenance and bad smells can be bad for business
• lack of maintenance, could result in environmental pollution, impacting the water quality in local rivers and bathing and shellfish areas
• poor water quality can affect tourism and reduce income for local businesses in your area
• untreated sewage is brimming with bacteria and viruses, as well as nitrogen and phosphorous
• if sewage enters the environment before being treated, it could contaminate surface and groundwater, posing a risk to drinking water
• pollutants can harm local wildlife, impacting flora and fauna and don’t fix a fault, you could face a fine of up to £50,000
• you have a social and legal responsibility to maintain your sewage system
• you must comply with the Environment Agency’s ‘general binding rules’ and/or the conditions set out on your permit.