Commonly Asked Drainage Questions: Can I Run Rainwater Into Sewer UK?
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June 06 07:27:28, 2025
A frequently asked question is whether it's feasible to channel common types of water, like rainwater, into shared sewers in the UK? This is an important topic because any drainage-related project you undertake must adhere to both local and national guidelines.
Key Takeaways:
- Rainwater and wastewater should never be mixed in shared sewers in the UK since it can lead to pollution and disrupt treatment processes.
- Rainwater should ideally be directed to a separate area, such as a ditch, drywell, headwall charge, soakaway crate system, or a rainwater harvesting system.
Surface water generally refers to water found above ground, including rainwater, which is the most common type. If stormwater drains into the same place as wastewater or foul water, you must ensure that you have explicit permission to mix them.
Mixing rainwater with foul water at the point it enters the public sewer immediately disrupts the initial treatment phase. When separation occurs, combining these waters negates that effort, defeating the purpose of sending foul water to treatment plants. This mixture can carry harmful substances like oils and fats directly through the system, eventually discharging into rivers or natural water sources, causing pollution. In extreme cases, your local water company might contact you, and if they find out you're illegally sending rainwater into foul water systems, you could face significant fines.
Many people don't realize how much water flows through their drainage systems daily. Knowing this volume helps prevent future issues. For instance, a typical three-bedroom house usually discharges around 1 cubic meter of water in 24 hours under normal weather conditions. However, if water doesn't drain properly in areas like gardens, combined with rainwater, the volume can increase dramatically to 20 cubic meters or more.
This highlights why it's crucial to direct your water to the correct place to avoid overwhelming the system, which can lead to pollution, flooding, or overflow.
If your property has a combined underground drainage system, check out our other blog post where we delve deeper into this topic!
The best places to direct your rainwater depend on your specific situation. A ditch or drywell is a common option, essentially a dug-out hole in the ground that remains dry most of the time. Its purpose is to provide a dry space for water to run into, allowing it to soak away and drain into nearby soil to prevent flooding. Wrapping the ditch in a non-woven geotextile membrane minimizes unwanted material buildup while still allowing water to drain. Adding gravel to the ditch improves absorption.
In situations where digging a large ditch isn't feasible, obtaining permission and ensuring compliance with local regulations, redirecting water toward an existing water source might be an alternative. This involves running a solid pipe, typically twin-wall drain pipes, toward the water source and surrounding the outlet section with concrete to protect the bank. Always consult local authorities for their specifications before proceeding.
A soakaway system functions like an underground reservoir designed to collect rainwater during persistent showers to reduce flooding risks. Soakaway crates, also known as attenuation crates or cells, are installed below ground and wrapped in non-woven geotextile membranes to prevent debris from entering the system. Water enters through infiltration, gradually returning to the ground. Explore our soakaway crate kits for complete systems.
Other considerations include avoiding directing rainwater toward neighbors' properties unless they have proper drainage measures in place. Sending water their way could cause property damage, leading to financial responsibility on your part. Connecting to a foul drain system requires approval from local authorities. Additionally, consider wildlife impacts—draining rainwater into wooded areas can harm habitats and interfere with tree root growth.
For any doubts about the content, feel free to reach out to our team for clarification. We offer soakaway crate kits, including essential components for a complete system.
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