The Water Industry Act 1991 defines any used water discharged as a result of an activity carried out at a trade premises as “trade effluent”. This can include car washes, launderettes, food production facilities, engineering facilities, metal finishing facilities and more. If you discharge trade effluent to the public foul sewer, you will need a trade effluent consent. If you are unsure if you require a trade effluent consent, please contact your retailer.

Some discharges are covered under a Regulatory Position Statement, rather than requiring a consent, which is outlined on our consenting and enforcement page.