What’s the problem?

Septic tanks are underground chambers that collect wastewater from homes not connected to mains sewerage. While they do some basic treatment, they often release water that still contains harmful nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen. When these nutrients enter rivers and lakes, they can:

Cause excessive algae growth, harm fish and other wildlife, and damage delicate ecosystems.

New environmental regulations now require better treatment of household wastewater to protect our watercourses.

How does the scheme work?

Free upgrades: The scheme pays for the complete replacement of your old septic tank with a modern sewage treatment plant. This typically costs £13,000-£20,000, but you pay nothing.

Environmental credits: The new treatment plants remove more pollutants from wastewater, creating measurable environmental improvements. These improvements are converted into ‘credits’ that can be sold to house builders by the councils.

Developer funding: Housing developers buy these credits to meet planning requirements for new developments. The money they pay funds your free upgrade.

Better for everyone: You get a modern, compliant system at no cost. The environment benefits from cleaner water. Developers can proceed with new housing projects.

The scheme is managed by a partnership between Westmorland and Furness Council, Cumberland Council, and the Lake District National Park, with Burrow Environmental handling the practical work of surveys, installations, and maintenance.

Burrow has successfully won a tender to find suitable properties and arrange the upgrades. The final version of the contract will be finalised by the partnership in mid-May 2025 for Burrow to sign, so that the agreements can be prepared homeowners. 

In the meantime, Burrow are letting people know how the scheme works, so that site surveys can be planned.