Irl call for cooperative approach over septic tanks

Irish Rural Link has called for a co-operative approach between local authorities and communities after 48% of septic tanks failed inspection.

The Moate-based national network representing the interest of rural communities, is urging local authorities to work with communities after 48% of the 987 septic tanks failed inspection according to the EPA’s review of the implementation of the National Inspection Plan for Domestic Water Treatment Systems 2013.

More than half of all failures were due to minor issues such as sludging or lack of maintenance. These problems are easily solved and are largely due to a lack of education. 79% of the septic tanks that failed inspection are now compliant after householders addressed the problems.

IRL’s Policy and Communications Officer James Claffey said: “local authorities must work closely with householders to address the lack of education around septic tanks and their maintenance”.

Irish Rural Lonl wants households to contact their local authority for guidelines on how septic tanks should look and function. Local authorities have guidelines and tips for the maintenance of septic tanks on their websites which IRL will also be making available to their members. The identification of these failures is a positive occurrence as it will improve the long term quality of water and public health nationally.