| Nation | Regulator | Main requirement |
|---|---|---|
| England | Environment Agency | Meet the general binding rules, or get a permit |
| Scotland | SEPA | Registration or permit under EASR (replaced CAR from 1 Nov 2025) |
| Wales | Natural Resources Wales | Free one-off registration of an exemption, or a permit |
| Northern Ireland | NIEA (DAERA) | Consent to discharge under the Water (NI) Order 1999 |
In every nation, a new or replacement system also needs building regulations approval, or a building warrant in Scotland, and sometimes planning permission.
England: general binding rules
Discharges to ground and surface water, the 2020 surface water rule, protected sites and SPZ1.
Scotland: SEPA and EASR
Registration for up to 10 homes, the CAR-to-EASR switch, and building warrants.
Wales and Northern Ireland
NRW's free registration and NIEA discharge consents.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to register my septic tank?
In Scotland (with SEPA), Wales (with NRW) and Northern Ireland (a consent from NIEA), yes. In England there's no registration if you meet the general binding rules. If you can't, you need an Environment Agency permit.