[ Categories ](https://www.pfkrural.co.uk/news/categories "Categories") [ Tags ](https://www.pfkrural.co.uk/news/tags "Tags") [ Calendar ](https://www.pfkrural.co.uk/news/calendar "Calendar") [ Categories: All Categories ](https://www.pfkrural.co.uk/javascript:void(0); "Categories") Search...Suggested keywords [ x ](https://www.pfkrural.co.uk/javascript:void(0);) [ Print ](https://www.pfkrural.co.uk/news/is-your-septic-tank-legal-1?tmpl=component&print=1&format=print "Print") # Is your septic tank legal? [PFK](https://www.pfkrural.co.uk/news/blogger/pfk) Friday, 14 February 2020 1926 Hits [ 0 Comments ](https://www.pfkrural.co.uk/news/is-your-septic-tank-legal-1#comments) New septic tank regulations became effective from 1 January 2020. If you have an old style septic tank – a tank like structure which discharges waste onto a drainage field and is then simply released to the ground, then if this is working efficiently and not causing any pollution then the installation can continue as it is. If you have an old style septic tank which discharges into a pipe then into a water course i.e. a ditch, stream, river, lake, gutter, gully, etc., then this is no longer permitted. You need to install a modern style septic tank called a ‘sewage treatment plant’. If you already have a sewage treatment plant which was installed after 2015, then this should comply with the new regulations. This requires no further action as long as it is functioning properly and is well maintained. There are many considerations in regard to foul water drainage systems, best answered by your supplier and installer although there are two significant considerations which are: 1. Storm water from gutters, etc., must not enter the sewage treatment plant. This can mean significant expense re-routing pipes. 2. A modern sewage treatment plant usually requires and electrical supply For further information, contact PFK Land Agency on 01768 866611 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. [ ](https://www.pfkrural.co.uk/javascript:void(0);) [ ](https://www.pfkrural.co.uk/javascript:void(0);) [ ](https://www.pfkrural.co.uk/javascript:void(0);) [ ](https://www.pfkrural.co.uk/javascript:void(0);) [×](https://www.pfkrural.co.uk/javascript:void(0);) Stay Informed When you subscribe to the blog, we will send you an e-mail when there are new updates on the site so you wouldn't miss them. Your Name E-mail Address [ Getting Organised for the Grass Letting Season ](https://www.pfkrural.co.uk/news/getting-organised-for-the-grass-letting-season) [ Hedgerow and Boundary Grant Scheme ](https://www.pfkrural.co.uk/news/hedgerow-and-boundary-grant-scheme) #### About the author [ ![PFK](https://pfkrural.b-cdn.net/images/easyblog_avatar/924_pfk-favicon.png) ](https://www.pfkrural.co.uk/news/blogger/pfk) ### [PFK](https://www.pfkrural.co.uk/news/blogger/pfk) [ Subscribe to updates from author ](https://www.pfkrural.co.uk/javascript:void(0);) [ Unsubscribe to updates from author ](https://www.pfkrural.co.uk/javascript:void(0);) [ PFK ](https://www.pfkrural.co.uk/news/blogger/pfk) ##### Author's recent posts [More posts from author](https://www.pfkrural.co.uk/news/blogger/pfk) [ Friday, 30 October 2026 Red Book valuations: what are they, and when do you need one? ](https://www.pfkrural.co.uk/news/red-book-valuations-what-are-they-and-when-do-you-need-one) [ Wednesday, 30 September 2026 An opportunity to submit sites for consideration in Cumberland Council’s new Local Plan ](https://www.pfkrural.co.uk/news/cumberland-call-for-sites) [ Monday, 14 September 2026 PFK Rural: 150 years of expertise, and the next chapter begins ](https://www.pfkrural.co.uk/news/pfk-rural-150-years-of-expertise-and-the-next-chapter-begins-1-1) #### Comments No comments made yet. Be the first to submit a comment [ ![](https://pfkrural.b-cdn.net/media/com_easyblog/images/avatars/author.png) ](https://www.pfkrural.co.uk/javascript:void(0);) Tuesday, 03 November 2026 Subscribe to the blog (Please fill in your email address to subscribe to updates from this post.)