One in four septic tanks tested last year were a risk to health or environment
Ten of 18 septic tanks in Offaly tested during 2019 failed, according to new figures from the Environmental Protection Agency.
The 56% fail rate was above the national average of 51%. Nationally, 26% of the 1,160 septic tanks tested during 2019 were found to be a risk to human health or to the environment.
The inspections are carried out by local authorities. An EPA report on the local authority inspections found that a lack of maintenance and desludging was identified as a key issue.
The EPA also reported that the grant scheme for septic tanks has recently been expanded to cover specific areas where work is being focused to improve water quality under the national River Basin Management Plan. This means that more people will qualify for a grant.
Commenting on the report, Dr. Tom Ryan, Director of the EPA’s Office of Environmental Enforcement said: “If you do not maintain your septic tank, it can contaminate your own or your neighbour’s well, putting your health at risk and that of your family and neighbours. It may also pollute your local stream or river. You can take simple steps to maintain your septic tank by cleaning it out regularly and by making sure it is not leaking, ponding or discharging to ditches. The Government’s expanded septic tank grant scheme broadens the availability of grants and increases the maximum grant available which is welcomed.”
The EPA also found that 27% of systems that failed inspections during 2013-2019 are still not fixed and Local Authorities need to take action to make sure householders fix systems that fail.
Noel Byrne, EPA Senior Inspector said:“It is important that householders fix systems where problems are detected and be aware that they can pose a serious health risk. While there has been an improvement in the number of systems fixed, there are still many systems where faults are not addressed over a number of years. This requires increased engagement and enforcement by Local Authorities to address remaining failures”.