EPA: Almost two thirds of septic tanks failed inspections in 2025
Almost two thirds of Irish septic tanks failed inspections in 2025.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has today (Tuesday, May 19) released the report on Domestic Waste Water Treatment System Inspections 2025.
The report details the findings of septic tank inspections completed by local authorities in 2025.
In 2025, 1,466 septic tanks were inspected, with 59% (863) failing because they were not built or maintained properly.
Faulty systems pose a risk to human health from harmful bacteria and viruses through the contamination of drinking water wells, and can pollute rivers and streams through releases of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, according to the EPA.
When septic tanks fail inspection, local authorities issue advisory notices to householders setting out what is required to fix the problem.
Of the 7,212 septic tanks that failed since inspections began in 2013, 84% had been fixed by the end of 2025.
The number of failed systems with advisory notices unresolved for longer than two years reduced from 523 in 2024 to 442 in 2025.
Commenting on the report, director of the EPA’s Office of Radiation Protection and Environmental Monitoring, Pat Byrne said:
“The gradual increase in the number of faulty septic tanks being fixed by homeowners since 2013 in response to failed inspections is welcomed, as these are in the areas of greatest risk to rivers and drinking water wells.
"This has been aided by increased government grant aid and greater enforcement activities by proactive local authorities.
"However, more consistent and sustained enforcement is needed across all local authorities to ensure that faulty septic tanks are fixed as soon as possible and that public health and the environment is protected.”
Support to improve septic tanks
The grant schemes for remediation of septic tanks were amended in 2024 and increased from €5,000 to €12,000.
There were 460 grants awarded in 2025, totalling nearly €4.77 million, up from 265 grants awarded in 2024.
EPA programme manager, Noel Byrne said: “In 2025, 59% of inspected septic tanks failed.
"This is a worrying statistic, as many homeowners may be exposing their families to health risks from contaminated private wells, or polluting local rivers, often without realising it.
"Regular checks and routine maintenance of septic tanks by homeowners can prevent minor issues becoming major problems, helping to protect their family’s health and the environment.
"Where eligible, homeowners should also make use of grant support of up to €12,000 to remediate faulty systems.”
Inspections
There was a shortfall in inspections by three local authorities (Donegal, Fingal and Wexford) in 2025 and this shortfall must be made up in 2026, in addition to the planned inspections.
The EPA will continue to monitor local authorities that are required to make up these shortfalls in 2026.
Nine local authorities had less than 80% of their issued advisory notices resolved by the end of 2025, which means that too many faulty septic tank systems continued to be a risk.
Local authorities are required to ensure those that fail inspection are fixed by homeowners in an appropriate timeframe.
