Under the Water (Northern Ireland) Order 1999 the Department of the Environment must give permission for all waste discharges from domestic (and non-domestic) premises, which are not connected to the public sewer and where it is proposed that the discharge will go to a waterway, or underground stratum.
A discharge consent will outline conditions relating to the quality and quantity of the discharge. The conditions are drawn-up in such a way so as to ensure the receiving waterway, or the underground stratum can absorb the discharge.
A consent to discharge effluent from a single domestic property is granted by the Department, subject to the recommendations made by the local Environmental Health (Rivers) Officer.
A register of domestic discharge consents is held by us.
Applying for Discharge ConsentFor details of how to apply for discharge consent from either multiple domestic dwellings or industry view our section on Industrial and Private Sewage.
For details of the fees applicable view the Discharge Consent Fees and Charges Scheme (.PDF 196Kb)
Your cheque and application will be acknowledged within three working days of receipt.
Depending on the complexity of your application it will be processed within four months unless a time extension is agreed with you.
If your application is refused you will be told how to appeal.
Application FormIf you wish to apply for a Single Domestic Dwelling Consent download and fill in an Application Form - Water Order 2 (.PDF 243Kb)
Northern Ireland Environment Agency
Water Management Unit
Tel: (028) 9262 3014
Fax: (028) 9267 6054
E-mail: WaterInfo@doeni.gov.uk