UK HQ Your time

Brewery Wastewater Discharge Limits by Region

ParameterAustralia (Typical)EU Urban WastewaterGermany (Direct)NetherlandsDenmark
BOD5< 300-600 mg/L< 25 mg/L< 20 mg/L< 30 mg/L< 15 mg/L
COD< 1,000 mg/L< 125 mg/L< 110 mg/L< 150 mg/L< 75 mg/L
TSS< 400-600 mg/L< 35 mg/L< 30 mg/L< 50 mg/L< 20 mg/L
Fats/Oils< 15 mg/L< 15 mg/L< 10 mg/L< 15 mg/L< 10 mg/L
pH6.0 - 10.06.0 - 9.06.5 - 8.56.5 - 9.06.5 - 8.5
Temperature< 38°C< 30°C< 30°C< 30°C< 30°C
Nitrogen (Total)< 50 mg/L< 15 mg/L< 18 mg/L< 20 mg/L< 8 mg/L
Phosphorus< 10 mg/L< 2 mg/L< 1 mg/L< 2 mg/L< 0.5 mg/L

Note: Limits vary by local authority, receiving water sensitivity, and treatment plant capacity. Always consult your local water authority for specific requirements. Trade waste agreements typically set stricter limits than general discharge standards.

Australian State-Specific Limits

StateBOD (mg/L)TSS (mg/L)FOG (mg/L)pH
Victoria (EPA)< 300-600< 400-600< 156.0-10.0
NSW (EPA)< 300-500< 400< 156.0-9.0
Queensland (DERM)< 300-500< 400< 156.5-9.0
South Australia (EPA)< 300-500< 400< 106.0-10.0
Western Australia (DWER)< 300-500< 400< 156.0-9.0

Key Discharge Parameters Explained

BOD5 (Biochemical Oxygen Demand)

Measures the amount of oxygen consumed by microorganisms decomposing organic matter. High BOD indicates high organic pollution.

Brewery sources: Milk solids, whey, lactose, proteins, fats

COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand)

Measures the total oxygen demand of both biodegradable and non-biodegradable organic compounds. Higher than BOD for brewery waste.

Typical ratio: COD/BOD = 1.5-2.0 for brewery

TSS (Total Suspended Solids)

Measures solid particles suspended in wastewater. Includes fats, proteins, and other insoluble materials from brewery processing.

Brewery sources: Curd particles, fat globules, protein aggregates

FOG (Fats, Oils & Grease)

Measures lipid content that can cause blockages and interfere with advanced biological treatment. Critical parameter for brewery wastewater.

Brewery sources: Butterfat, cream, milk fat

Nitrogen (Total)

Measures total nitrogen including organic nitrogen, ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate. Important for eutrophication control.

Brewery sources: Proteins, urea, cleaning chemicals

Phosphorus

Measures phosphorus content which contributes to algal growth in receiving waters. Strictest limits in sensitive areas.

Brewery sources: Milk phosphates, cleaning agents

Related Pages

Brewery Australian Standards

Brewery and beverage wastewater equipment compliance with AS 1210, AS/NZS 4020 and Australian state EPA requirements.

View Page

Brewery Certifications

Certification documentation for brewery wastewater equipment including CE marking, PED, ISO 9001 and regional approvals.

View Page

Brewery European Standards

European compliance for brewery wastewater treatment.

View Page

Need Help Meeting Discharge Limits?

Our team can design treatment systems to meet your specific discharge requirements. Contact us for a free assessment.

Industries We Serve

Our expertise spans multiple industries with sector-specific water treatment solutions.