EPA says Over half of septic tanks failed inspections in 2021

According to an article published in Journal.ie on Thursday 30th June 2022, The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has said that over half of domestic septic tanks failed inspection in 2021, with just under a third posing a risk to human health or the environment.

Just under a third of the septic tanks inspected were considered a risk to both human health and to the environment, with a possibility for faulty systems to contaminate both drinking water wells and pollute rivers. The EPA has said that the septic tank systems failed their inspections due to not being built or regularly maintained properly. There were a total of 1,147 inspections carried out by local authorities in 2021, with 604 of the septic tanks inspected failing. Of the failed tanks, 337 systems were considered a risk to human health or the environment.

Dr. Tom Ryan, Director of the EPA’s Office of Environmental Enforcement said that people’s health could be at risk if septic tanks are not properly maintained.

“If you do not maintain your septic tank, it can contaminate your own or your neighbour’s drinking water well, or your local stream, putting your health at risk and that of your family and neighbours. Some of these problems may go unnoticed unless householders check their septic tank and drinking water well,” said Ryan.

“Householders should visually check their septic tank and get their well tested at least annually to satisfy themselves that their septic tank is not posing a risk to the health of their families, their neighbours and the environment.”

To learn more about emptying you septic tank go to Septic Tank Emptying: Everything You Need To Know

The report does highlight however that three quarters of failing septic tank systems have been fixed.

There are almost half a million septic tank systems in Ireland, which are used by rural homeowners to treat sewage.

The EPA report also found that there were 533 cases where local authorities had issued notices to households where septic tanks were malfunctioning, but issues were not addressed after two years.

Noel Byrne, the EPA’s Programme Manager called it “unacceptable” that over 500 tanks had not been fixed in two years.

If you would like more information on whether you need a septic tank or sewage treatment plant please click the following link - Septic Tank or Sewage Treatment Plant

If you would like more information on Septic Tank Regulations in Ireland, please click the following link - Septic Tank Regulations