COMPLIANCE SURVEYS
Understand your off-mains drainage system and whether it complies
A WES Compliance Survey assesses the system serving the property, its condition, how it discharges and whether the existing arrangement appears to meet the relevant requirements.
The rules apply to the system, not just when a property is sold
Septic tanks and small sewage treatment plants in England are subject to the Environment Agency’s General Binding Rules. If the applicable rules are met, an environmental permit is not normally required.
The rules cover how systems are installed, operated and maintained, where and how they discharge, and the information that must be passed to a new operator when a property is sold.
A survey isn’t mandatory
A Compliance Survey itself is not a legal requirement, but the person responsible for the system must ensure the relevant rules are met.
Discharge matters
A septic tank must not discharge directly to a watercourse. Where that is happening, the Environment Agency says the system must be changed — for example by connecting to mains drainage, replacing it with a treatment plant or installing a suitable drainage field.
Selling a property
When a property is sold, the operator must give the new operator written information about the treatment system, drainage arrangement and maintenance requirements.
WHAT WES CHECKS
A specialist assessment of the off-mains system
The survey focuses specifically on the private drainage serving the property. It is not a general building survey.
01 The system
What is installed, how the arrangement works and how it serves the property.
02 Condition
The tank or treatment plant, accessible drainage components and visible signs of defects or deterioration.
03 Discharge
Where the system discharges and whether that arrangement raises compliance concerns.
04 Report & next steps
Clear written findings, compliance status and recommended action where anything needs attention.
REQUEST A COMPLIANCE SURVEY
Tell us about the property
Submit the details below and WES will review the information, confirm the scope and explain what happens next.
1. Submit the property details
Tell us where the property is and what you know about the existing drainage.
2. WES reviews the request
We’ll assess the information, confirm the scope and let you know what happens next.
3. Arrange the survey
We’ll agree the practical details and explain what happens after the visit.
What happens next?
Once we’ve reviewed your request, a member of the WES team will get in touch to confirm the survey requirements and arrange the next step.
What if the system doesn’t comply?
If the survey identifies an issue, WES can explain the options and, where appropriate, provide the further investigation, design, specification or remedial works needed to resolve it.