What are the provisional drainage standards? Target industries and deadlines [Basic knowledge]
Temporary discharge standards that apply only to certain industries for a limited time. The target industries and deadlines for substances such as boron and zinc will be organized as of October 2026.
■What is the provisional discharge standard? The discharge standards under the Water Pollution Control Law include a nationwide general discharge standard. When new standards are established or existing ones become stricter, provisional values that are less stringent than the general discharge standards may be temporarily set for certain industries where immediate compliance is significantly difficult. This is the provisional discharge standard. ■Where is it written? The provisional discharge standards for substances such as boron, fluoride, and nitrate nitrogen were established in the supplementary provisions of the amendment ordinance from 2001 that set the general discharge standards. Values and deadlines are specified in a table in the supplementary provisions, separate from the main table of discharge standards, for each industry. ■It doesn't last forever?! The provisional discharge standards for substances like boron were initially set for 40 industries and have been gradually reduced through reviews every three years. Each time the deadline approaches, it is decided whether to extend it, lower the standard values, or transition to the general discharge standards. In addition to boron, fluoride, and nitrate nitrogen, there are also provisional discharge standards for zinc and hexavalent chromium compounds. The information in this article is current as of October 2026 and may change with future reviews. Please feel free to consult us.
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■What are the general wastewater standards? The standard for boron is 10 mg/L (230 mg/L in marine areas), for fluoride it is 8 mg/L (15 mg/L in marine areas), and for nitrate nitrogen, etc., it is 100 mg/L. ■What changed with the revision in the 7th year of Reiwa? Of the eight industries that reached their deadline on June 30, 2025, seven industries had some values lowered and were extended until September 30, 2028. The zirconium compound manufacturing industry moved to the general wastewater standards, and facilities with cattle in livestock farming also became subject to the general wastewater standards. ■Examples of extended industries 1. Enamelware manufacturing: boron 30 mg/L, fluoride 10 mg/L 2. Electroplating: boron 30 mg/L, fluoride 40 mg/L for wastewater volume under 50 cubic meters/day; 15 mg/L for 50 cubic meters/day and above 3. Livestock farming (with pig facilities): nitrate nitrogen, etc. 400 mg/L 4. Vanadium compound manufacturing: nitrate nitrogen, etc. 1,350 mg/L Additionally, the metal mining, precious metal manufacturing and recycling, and molybdenum compound manufacturing industries were also extended. ■Are there industries without deadlines? The provisional wastewater standards for boron and fluoride in the ryokan (inn) industry and sewerage industry are still set as "for the time being."
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■ Is zinc only for the electroplating industry? The general wastewater standard for zinc was strengthened from 5 mg/L to 2 mg/L in December 2006. At that time, the provisional wastewater standards set for ten industries were gradually eliminated, and now only the electroplating industry remains. The value is 4 mg/L and has been extended until December 10, 2029. ■ Are there provisional standards for hexavalent chromium as well? With the revision in April 2024, the permissible limit for hexavalent chromium compounds has become 0.2 mg/L. At this time, specific facilities in the electroplating industry were given a provisional wastewater standard (0.5 mg/L) for three years from the enforcement date (April 1, 2024). Existing facilities also had a grace period of six months (one year for facilities listed in Appendix 3 of the Water Pollution Control Act Enforcement Order). ■ What should you do before the deadline?! Provisional wastewater standards may be lowered or eliminated after the deadline. It is important to verify whether your industry is subject to these standards, the deadline, and the next values, along with the latest information and any additional standards from local governments. Our company offers consultations on treatment methods tailored to wastewater quality and the chemicals used in treatment. Please feel free to contact us first.
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