Discharging On-Site Wastewater

A resource consent is required for discharging treated domestic effluent from an on-site wastewater system. On-site wastewater treatment systems include pit privies, septic tanks and more advanced systems such as secondary and tertiary treatment plants.

Before you apply you will need to read

How to apply for a consent

Administration Form ‘A’ 

Discharging on-site Wastewater Form 'B'

RESPONSIBLE WASTEWATER ON-SITE WASTEWATER DISCHARGES INFORMATION BOOKLET  THIS BOOKLET WILL HELP YOU TO INSTALL A NEW SYSTEM WITH INFORMATION ON:
• Rules for discharging domestic wastewater on-site
• Accredited systems and installers
• Resource consent requirements and costs
• Keeping your system serviced and maintained

Please note that different rules apply to consents within the coastal environment governed by the Hawke’s Bay Regional Coastal Environment Plan.

For information on Accredited Installers please see the Regional Council Wastewater Accreditation Programme

If you are using a drainlayer, make sure they are familiar with the ‘Australia/New Zealand 1547:2012 On-site Domestic Wastewater Management’. Hawke’s Bay Regional Council uses this standard in its assessment alongside Figure 6 of the Regional Resource Management Plan or Schedule N of the Regional Coastal Environmental Plan (if your property is located within the coastal environment) - see the Technical Information Sheet for more details.

Please contact the Consents Advisor on +646 833 8090 for more information about on-site domestic wastewater discharge consents. Note that the Regional Council staff are unable to design a system for you.

Four Things You Can Do to Protect Your Septic System

1. Regularly inspect your system
2. Use water efficiently
3. Don’t dispose of household hazardous wastes in sinks or toilets
4. Care for your disposal field

How to apply

Applications can be lodged via email to the consentadvisor@hbrc.govt.nz or physically to any of our offices, please check the front page of your applications Form A for full lodgement instructions.

Administration Form ‘A’ 

Discharging on-site Wastewater Form 'B'

Contact Us

You can contact the Consents Administrator +64 6 835 9200 consentadvisor@hbrc.govt.nz.  with any questions about the consenting process.

A resource consent is a legal document. Keep it in a safe place and check it regularly to be sure you are fully aware of conditions.