Water permits and discharge consents
We negotiate and advise on the permissions required for water discharge, transfer and impoundment activities, ensuring full compliance with environmental regulations.
Environmental permits
If you need to discharge water, transfer water between sources, or create structures that impound water flow, you will need an environmental permit from the Environment Agency. This is a complex regulatory area — the type of permit depends on the activity, location and scale.
Our experienced team advises on whether a permit is required, prepares and submits applications, negotiates with the EA on your behalf, and manages the process through to determination. We also negotiate associated arrangements such as wayleaves and easements for crossing third-party land.
Why permits matter
Operating without the correct permit is a criminal offence. The EA has enforcement powers including prosecution, and non-compliance can result in fines, remediation orders and reputational damage.
Getting permits right from the start avoids costly delays and enforcement action. We recommend engaging early — ideally during the project planning stage.
Permit types we handle
Discharge permits
Required to discharge wastewater, surface water or liquid effluent to the ground, groundwater, surface water or sewers. This applies to construction dewatering, industrial processes, treated sewage and many other activities.
We prepare discharge applications including water quality data, environmental impact assessment and monitoring proposals.
Transfer permits
Required when water needs to be moved from one place to another — typically from areas with surplus water to those with higher water stress. Transfer permits ensure sustainable resource management.
We assess transfer requirements, prepare applications and manage the EA determination process.
Impoundment licences
For creating structures that impound or obstruct water flow — such as weirs, dams, sluices or any permanent or temporary barrier affecting natural watercourse flow.
We prepare impoundment applications including engineering details, environmental assessment and fish passage considerations.
Abstraction licences
Required for abstracting more than 20 cubic metres per day from rivers, streams, boreholes, lakes or reservoirs. The EA assesses the impact on the environment and other water users before granting a licence.
Percolation testing
A percolation test establishes the rate of water absorption into the ground. The procedure measures how long a specified volume of water takes to drain from a saturated hole, verifying soil suitability and drainage capacity.
A percolation test should always be performed before installing a new soakaway system. The results may also be required by the EA as part of a discharge permit application.
What we provide
Site excavation
Test holes dug to the required depth and dimensions at representative locations across your site.
Saturation & testing
Holes saturated and measured over timed intervals to determine absorption rate and permeability.
Calculations
Results analysed and percolation rates calculated to determine soakaway sizing and feasibility.
EA submission pack
Full report with calculations, photographic evidence and supporting data for EA or local authority submission.
How we manage your permit application
01
Assessment
We assess your activity and advise on which permits are required, the likely timeline and any potential issues.
02
Application
We prepare and submit the application with all supporting documentation, environmental data and monitoring proposals.
03
Negotiation
We liaise with the EA throughout the determination process, responding to queries and negotiating conditions on your behalf.
04
Compliance
Once granted, we can provide ongoing support to ensure you meet all permit conditions and reporting requirements.
Need advice on permits?
This is a complex regulatory area — contact us early for expert guidance.