Over 3 in 5 septic tanks don't meet requirements in county wexford

Over  60% of private septic tanks in County Wexford have failed to meet the required standards.

That's according to the latest round of EPA inspections. Wexford County Council needs to have an effective enforcement system in place to ensure householders fix septic tank problems that fail inspection. The EPA stressed that this is vital after the county recorded a 63% failure rate making it the joint third worst county in the country along with Leitrim. Faulty systems can contaminate household wells and pollute rivers according to the association. Homeowners are required to make sure their septic tanks are not leaking, ponding or discharging to ditches. To improve water quality the government's revised septic tank grant is due to be launched later this year. The maximum grant available will €5,000 and it will not be means tested.