Septic Tanks/Domestic Dwelling Discharges

Domestic Consents Section

Under the Water (Northern Ireland) Order 1999, the consent of the Department of Environment is required for all effluent discharges from domestic (and non-domestic) premises which are not connected to the public sewer, where it is proposed that the discharge will go to waterway or underground stratum.

A discharge consent will include conditions relating to the quality and quantity of the effluent discharge. The conditions are formulated to ensure that the receiving waterway or the underground stratum, if it is to a soakaway, can sustain 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 Consent

For 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 196.17Kb)

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 Form

If you wish to apply for a Single Domestic Dwelling Consent - Application Form - Water Order 2(.PDF 243.37Kb)

Further information and advice on any aspect of water pollution prevention can be obtained from: