Discharge of wastewater into small ditches and waterways banned by Jan. 1, 2026
In 2024, the Water Board Ordinance included a ban on wastewater discharge for small ditches and waterways (so-called secondary and tertiary water) as of January 1, 2026. In recent years this was subject to a transitional period. The ban was instituted to improve water quality and keep water clean and healthy. This is important for people, nature, agriculture and recreation. Because this date is fast approaching, Hoogheemraadschap Hollands Noorderkwartier (HHNK) is asking for extra attention.
Prohibition applies to different situations
The ban concerns the discharge of domestic wastewater from, for example, the toilet, shower or kitchen of a company or group accommodation via an existing treatment facility into a small ditch or waterway (so-called secondary and tertiary water). As of 2026, this is no longer allowed if it involves a discharge of wastewater from 6 or more people. If it only concerns a discharge from a private residence, this prohibition does not apply. If it concerns a discharge of domestic wastewater from a company or accommodation where more than one family resides then the prohibition does apply. The exact Requirements of the discharge prohibition can be found in the Water Board Ordinance.
Check if this prohibition applies
On the website of HHNK more information can be found when and for which situation this prohibition applies. Important is what kind of wastewater is involved, what is the size of the discharge and what kind of surface water is specifically discharged into. If the prohibition applies, the discharger must provide the appropriate solution. This can include connecting to the sewer or after local storage processing to the sewage treatment plant, storage and disposal to a licensed waste processor via a transporter with tanker truck. Each situation is different. It is therefore important to check the situation, determine the right solution and arrange the necessary permits and authorizations.
Every step counts for clean and healthy water
Jos Beemsterboer, portfolio holder for integrated water management: "Clean and healthy water is important for all of us, for people, animals and nature. We work together with many parties on this in many different ways. Also in the field of domestic wastewater. As a result, water quality has improved in recent decades. But every step, large and small, is necessary to further improve water quality. That is why HHNK has decided to include this discharge ban in the 2024 Water Board Ordinance."
For more information, see the Wastewater Discharge Ban and Water Board Ordinance pages.