Almost a third of septic tanks and other domestic waste water treatment systems in Donegal failed inspections between 2017 and 2018.
The EPA has revealed that there was a failure rate of 29% out of the 230 inspections carried out in Donegal from 2017-2018, posing a risk to human health and the environment.
A new report on Domestic Waste Water Treatment Systems has found that nearly half of the systems across Ireland failed inspection because they were not built or maintained properly.
The EPA is warning that faulty systems can contaminate household wells and pollute rivers.
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 or your local stream, putting your health at risk and that of your family and neighbours. You can take simple steps to maintain your septic tank by making sure it is not leaking, ponding or discharging to ditches and by cleaning it out regularly.”
One-fifth of systems that failed inspections during 2013-2018 are still not fixed in Donegal.
The EPA said that authorities need to take appropriate measures to ensure householders fix systems that fail inspection. Householders should avail of the proposed expanded grant scheme when it becomes available, to address malfunctioning septic tanks.
Noel Byrne, Senior Scientist in the EPA’s Office of Environmental Enforcement said, “It is important that householders fix systems where problems are detected. To improve water quality, the government’s proposed expanded septic tank grant scheme, due to be launched later this year, will increase the maximum grant aid available to €5000 and remove the means test requirements.”