Free septic tank upgrades offered to local residents to help protect Kent’s rivers

Householders within the River Stour Catchment which runs through central Kent bordering Ashford, Maidstone and Canterbury, are being invited to take part in a pioneering environmental scheme. 

Old or poorly performing septic tanks will be replaced completely free of charge, as part of a major new initiative to help protect Stodmarsh SSSI (Site(s) of Special Scientific Interest) and support much-needed housing development.

The initiative, delivered by National Rivers Consortium (NRC) in partnership Stour Environmental Credits Ltd, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ashford Borough Council and Canterbury City Council, targets properties whose existing systems discharge excess phosphorus and nitrogen into Kent’s waterways.

These nutrients are a major cause of water quality decline, leading to algal blooms, loss of wildlife habitats and tighter regulations on new housing developments.

Across parts of Kent, the build-up of phosphorus and nitrogen in rivers has reached levels that risk long-term ecological damage.

As a result, local councils are required to apply “nutrient neutrality” rules to new housing projects - meaning that any new development must fully offset its nutrient impact before it can be approved. This has left many housing schemes delayed or on hold.

National Rivers Consortium offers a win - win solution by upgrading outdated septic tanks with modern, high-performance sewage treatment plants, a scheme that reduces harmful nutrient run-off at source.

The environmental benefit created is then translated into nutrient credits, which developers can purchase to unlock stalled housing projects elsewhere in the district.

For householders, the process is simple. Register your interest by filling out the form on the NRC website and the company will then be able to assess your existing system and its location. If eligible, your tank will then be replaced with a new Graf sewage treatment plant free of charge.

The scheme is being delivered with the knowledge and cooperation of the local authority and aligns with Natural England’s approved nutrient mitigation solution. NRC is already operating successfully in Norfolk and other nutrient-sensitive regions.

“This is a genuine opportunity for local residents to modernise their wastewater treatment at no cost, while directly contributing to healthier rivers and helping much-needed housing development to get started,” said Conrad Webb, commercial director for National Rivers Consortium. “It’s a practical, no-catch offer backed by the local authority and leading environmental bodies.”

“In spite of public sector support, residents should also be assured that this initiative is not funded in any way by local or national taxes and is aimed entirely at improving local environments and protecting natural habitats.”

How to apply

Householders in the central Kent area who currently rely on a septic tank or small sewage treatment plants are encouraged to register their interest via the National Rivers Consortium website.