Managing wastewater and stormwater on school property

Schools are responsible for managing wastewater and stormwater discharges. In some cases, you’ll need to get consent from your council for discharges.

Wastewater

Wastewater is the outflow of used water. Schools must:

  • not discharge wastewater containing prohibited or dangerous chemicals
  • minimise stormwater drainage to wastewater networks
  • manage any wastewater overflows or discharges to sensitive environments.

You must follow the council requirements in your area. Contact your local and regional council for more information about managing wastewater and stormwater.

Find contact details for regional, district and city councils – LGNZopen_in_new

Stormwater

Stormwater is untreated rainwater that flows to a waterway or dedicated stormwater network. Schools must:

  • make sure stormwater discharges do not cause flooding or damage to neighbouring properties
  • install devices to capture gross contaminants – like food waste or litter – when discharge is to a stream or water body
  • clean sumps and chambers every year to remove debris
  • maintain and replant any stormwater wetlands or natural treatment systems 
  • follow any specific conditions in stormwater discharge consents.

Schools with on-site wastewater systems

Any on-site wastewater systems like septic tanks must meet:

  • regional council plan requirements
  • specific conditions if your school has a discharge consent.

An accredited professional must service all wastewater systems regularly, and you must keep a service report each time. Have your systems serviced every:

  • 3 years for primary treatment systems
  • 6 months for advanced wastewater treatment systems.

You must also meet your regional plan or consent requirements for:

  • wastewater daily limits, verified by flow measurement (if required)
  • treated wastewater quality.

New builds or other developments

Contact us if you’re thinking about building or changing the school environment in some way. You’ll need to consider the impact on your wastewater and stormwater systems.

Procurement process for school-led property projects

Resource consent

Councils issue resource consents for stormwater and wastewater in the name of the school. This means schools are responsible for meeting the consent conditions. You must report on your school’s compliance to the regional council every year.

Schools are liable for any consent fees levied by the regional council or unitary authority.