Legal Responsibility

Under the Water Resources Act 1991 it is an offence to cause or allow to cause the pollution of a water course.

The water course in question does not have to be an open water course such as a river, stream or brook, but could also be an aquifer deep below your property. Pollution via a leaking septic tank or cesspit is not uncommon and a defence of “I didn’t know” holds no weight, especially if the tank is not serviced and inspected regularly.

It is also an offence to allow the contents of a septic tank to be removed by a person or persons not engaged in business to do so.

Remember as the waste producer it is your responsibility to ensure the waste is collected and disposed of in a legal and safe fashion. We strongly recommend you only use contractors that have a waste carriers license.