24/11/2025
🚨 JOINT PUBLIC NOTICE 🚨
PUBLIC NOTICE ON THE PROHIBITION AND PENALTIES FOR IMPROPER WASTEWATER DISPOSAL
Belmopan, Belize. November 20, 2025.
The Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change, and Solid Waste Management, through the Department of Environment (DOE), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health & Wellness through the Public Health Department, reminds the general public that the improper discharge of domestic effluent and other wastewater poses serious risks to public health and the environment. Untreated wastewater, including sewage, greywater, industrial effluent, and other liquid waste, can contaminate drains, rivers, soil, and groundwater, causing waterborne diseases, foul odours, unsanitary conditions, and ecosystem degradation. Domestic effluent includes discharges from toilet flushing, showers, washbasins, kitchens, and laundries, as well as small industries whose wastewater composition is compatible with domestic wastewater treatment systems.
The release of untreated or unapproved wastewater into public streets, drains, waterways, road reserves, empty lots, or any unauthorized location is strictly prohibited under the Environmental Protection Act, Chapter 328, the Effluent Limitation Regulations, and the Public Health Act, Chapter 40. These laws require that all effluent be properly treated and discharged only with the required authorization or license. It is an offence to allow wastewater to flow or be discharged from any premises into any place not approved for such discharge.
The DOE and the Public Health Department advise that inspections and sampling will be routinely conducted at points of discharge into public drains and the environment. Where contamination or violations are detected, legal action will be taken. Penalties include fines of up to twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) under environmental law, fines up to twenty thousand dollars (BZ$20,000) and/or imprisonment for up to five (5) years under the Public Health Act, and additional penalties for repeated offences.
The public is urged to ensure that all facilities have adequate wastewater treatment systems and that septic tanks, soakaways, and treatment units are properly maintained. Individuals and businesses are reminded to refrain from releasing wastewater into unapproved areas, to obtain necessary permits where applicable, and to report illegal discharges to the Department of Environment or the Public Health Department.
The Government of Belize thanks the public for its cooperation in safeguarding a clean, safe, and healthy environment for all. For additional information or clarification, please contact the Department of Environment or the Public Health Department.
END
For more information, contact:
Chief Environmental Officer
Principal Public Health Inspector
Department of the Environment
Public Health Department
7552 Hummingbird Highway, Belmopan
East Block Building, Independence Plaza, Belmopan
Tel: 822-2548/ 2819
Tel: 880-2363
[email protected] or [email protected]
[email protected]
Ministry of Health & Wellness
Belize Department of the Environment - DOE
