Wastewater discharge ban
Clean and healthy water is important for people, animals and nature. Our water is vulnerable; small ditches and canals are sensitive to pollution. If dirt gets into them, the water quickly becomes unbalanced. This is not always visible but it is harmful. Polluted water attracts algae, stinks and affects nature. Polluted surface water can also cause problems when used to water crops. Sometimes it even contains substances that are bad for groundwater or animals that live in and around the ditch.
To further improve water quality, the Water Board has tightened the rules for discharges. As of Jan. 1, 2026, a discharge ban applies. Do you discharge domestic wastewater (toilet, shower or kitchen) from your business or group accommodation via an existing 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 6 or more population equivalents (i.e.). This corresponds to wastewater from about 6 or more people.
If it concerns a discharge from a residence then this prohibition does not apply. Does it concern a discharge of domestic wastewater from a business or accommodation in which more than one family resides then the prohibition does apply.
Why are you getting this information now?
The 2024 Water Board Ordinance already stipulates that discharges of domestic wastewater from businesses and group accommodations of 6 i.e. or more are no longer permitted. For existing situations, there is a transition period until January 1, 2026.
This page provides information about the discharge ban and what it may mean for you.
Why this ban?
The discharge ban is there to improve and protect water quality. Domestic wastewater discharges to smaller ditches and canals (secondary and tertiary water) affect our water. The water system often cannot handle the discharges.
Specifically, what does this mean?
- Water and the water bottom becomes polluted and deoxygenated and can start to stink.
- There will be duckweed and algae and bacteria growth. This is bad for fish and plants.
- Keeping our water clean is important for nature, recreation, health, agriculture and animals drinking from the ditch.
- If discharges continue, the water system cannot recover and ultimately higher costs must be incurred to make the water clean and healthy.
Clean and healthy water means a pleasant living environment, less odor and lower social costs for everyone.
What does this mean for you?
Check if you are covered by the ban.
1. Type of wastewater
This is business domestic wastewater (toilets, showers, kitchen, washing machines) that does not come from an ordinary residential home.
Examples: campgrounds, group accommodations, seasonal worker housing, care farms, vacation parks, private vacation rentals, etc.
So: do you have a location where several people stay temporarily or structurally and where domestic wastewater is generated that is discharged to surface water? Then you may fall under this prohibition.
2. Size of your discharge
Do you discharge a volume of wastewater of 720 liters per day (0.72 m3) or more?
3. What are you discharging to?
The prohibition applies to discharges that discharge through an existing facility to the smaller ditches and canals (secondary and tertiary waters).
Different rules apply to major main waterways (primary water).
If in doubt, see the Register map waters page.
4. Ask for help
Not sure if this applies to you? Contact HHNK at lozingsverbod@hhnk.nl. We will look into it with you.
What is no longer allowed?
- Direct discharge (through an existing facility or otherwise) of domestic wastewater to small ditches and canals.
- Discharges from group accommodations or businesses that together exceed 6 i.e.
What is still allowed?
- Discharges smaller than 6 p.e. and otherwise comply with the rules set forth in the Water Board Ordinance.
- Discharges through a sewer connection.
- Collection/storage of domestic wastewater and disposal via a certified processor.
Who is responsible?
Do you have wastewater from a business or group accommodation? If so, you are responsible for handling it carefully.
- Preferred: connect to the wastewater sewer.
- Alternative: storage and disposal to one of the Regional Water Board's designated sewage treatment plants or to a licensed waste processor via a hauler with tanker truck. This requires a sufficiently large storage facility. The cost is at your own expense.
Settled in 3 steps
1. Check your situation
Do you fall under the ban? Check HHNK's website or contact HHNK or your municipality.
2. Choose a solution and arrange permission or permit
- Choose a solution, such as a sewer connection or storage and disposal by axle.
- For connection to the sewerage system: obtain permission from the municipality.
- For storage and removal to sewage treatment: enter into an agreement with a hauler. This must have an agreement with HHNK to deliver wastewater.
3. Arrange this on time
Don't wait until the last minute: you will avoid higher costs, environmental damage and possible enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this also apply to my property?
No, private residences are excluded from this prohibition.
What does 6 i.e. mean?
This represents the total amount of wastewater coming from 6 people on average.
What if I do nothing?
Then you run the risk of enforcement and may be more expensive.
Why is this ban in place?
Because clean water is important for all of us - for people, nature, agriculture and recreation.
Want to know more?
For more information, see the pages: