EPA concerns over septic tank failure rate in Limerick
MORE than a third of domestic wastewater treatment systems inspected in Limerick last year had failed, a new report has revealed.
According to the EPA, a large portion of treatment systems inspected were considered a risk to human health or the environment.
Faulty systems can contaminate household water wells and pollute rivers.
Of the 67 septic tanks inspected in Limerick, 36% had failed - for a variety of reasons.
Commenting on the report, Dr Tom Ryan, Director of the EPA’s office of environmental enforcement said: “Faulty septic tanks are a risk to human health and the environment. If not built and operated properly, they can pollute watercourses and contaminate household drinking water wells with harmful bacteria and viruses.
According to the report, there were 239 system failings between 2013 and 2022. In Limerick, 85% had been fixed by the end of 2022.
Noel Byrne, EPA Programme Manager said: “It is unacceptable that failed septic tanks have not been fixed more than two years after inspection. Half of these involve sewage surfacing in gardens and discharging to ditches... Greater enforcement is needed by local authorities.”
The Rivers Trust is urging the government to launch an awareness campaign on septic tank management to address water pollution dangers.
Commenting on the EPA report, Constanze O’Toole, Development Manager with Rivers Trust Ireland, said there are challenges.
“It is often difficult for homeowners to know if their system is working properly because the tanks and soakaways are underground. People are unaware of where to turn for help to check and fix their septic tanks or that they may qualify for financial support to carry out repairs.”