Research and analysis

Impacts of sewage effluent disposal into aquifers on groundwater quality phase 1: review of existing practice

The findings of a survey of current Environment Agency practice for controlling sewage disposal to underground Chalk strata in the UK.

Documents

Impacts of Sewage Effluent Disposal into Aquifers on Groundwater Quality - Phase 1: Review of Existing Practice

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Details

Regional variations highlight the need for consistent good practice within the Environment Agency to ensure that the system used is both fair and appropriate. However, there is a lack of knowledge of the risks posed by septic tanks and further research is required to determine these.

A review of international practice has found that significantly stricter controls on non-mains sewerage are practised in some parts of the USA and Australia and increasingly strict controls are being applied in Ireland.

Published 24 June 2005