Licence to discharge effluent to waters

A licence is required if wastewater / effluent is discharged to surface water. A licence is also required if wastewater / effluent, exceeding 5 cubic metres per day in volume, is discharged to an aquifer from a septic tank or other disposal unit by means of a percolation area, soakage pit or other method.

The licence is subject to an application fee of €380 euro and an annual fee which is calculated to offset the cost of personnel, administration and laboratory testing associated with the monitoring of the licence.

Download an application form and guidance here:
Discharge Licence - Application Form

Guidance Note for Applicants - Discharge to Waters

Local Government (Water Pollution) Act, 1978 & 1990

Under the Local Government (Water Pollution) Act, 1977, a person shall not discharge or cause or permit the discharge of any trade effluent or sewage effluent to any waters except under and in accordance with a licence under Section 4. It is an offence to make any such discharge except under and in accordance with a licence. The licensing system applies to all existing and new discharges as defined by the 1977 Act.

An "existing discharge" means a discharge which is similar in nature, composition and temperature to, and is of a similar volume and is made at a similar rate to a discharge made during any corresponding period in the period of 12 months ending on the 1st day of October 1978.