New figures show that over half of septic tanks in Ireland have failed inspection in 2024

News figures released by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) show that over half of septic tanks in Ireland failed inspection in 2024.

Local authorities completed 1,390 inspections in 2024, with 56% of septic tanks failing inspection, with a "significant number identified as a risk to human health and the environment."

The EPA have also noted that there is risk to both human health and the environment saying that " Faulty DWWTS (Domestic Waster Water Treatment System) can contaminate household drinking water wells with harmful bacteria and viruses. People may be exposed to waste water if it surfaces in gardens or runs off into ditches and streams."

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With impacted to the environment being listed as "Excessive releases of nitrogen and phosphorus from faulty DWWTS can cause pollution in receiving waters. Domestic waste water is identified as a significant pressure on water quality in 148 (9%) of at-risk water bodies in Ireland."

They also say in the report that "82% (5,217/6,354) of DWWTS that failed during 2013–2024
were fixed by the end of 2024" and also note that there are grants available for fixing these septic tanks that fail inspection, with grants available from €5,000 - €12,000.