Over Half Septic Tanks Failing Inspections

We know the water table supplying water to private wells is being polluted by intensive farming, particularly dairy farms, but now we learn that rural septic tanks could also be contributing to the problem.

In a recent report from the Irish Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) the National Inspection Plan for 2019 shows that over a quarter of private waste treatment systems (septic tanks) were a risk to human health or the local environment. But worse, over half (51%) of septic systems inspected failed altogether. 

According to the EPA, neglect and lack of maintenance plus a lack of desludging were identified as key problems with domestic wastewater treatment systems or septic tanks in rural communities.

If septic tanks are not regularly emptied or desludged, they can overflow and damage percolation areas or local streams and rivers. Untreated effluent from these overflowing or damaged septic tanks can also seep into the ground and thereby contaminate local wells and underground water tables. A common bacteria in contaminated wells is Ecoli (E.coli).

Ecoli is a faecal bacteria from animal or human waste which, when ingested, lives in the gut and can cause abdominal cramping, a watery diarrhoea that may change to bloody stools, and eventually a fever. In can be fatal in sick people or the elderly.

To protect your family’s health and ensure safe drinking water from a private water well, we recommend installing a water filtration system. For home owners with their own private water well, a Government grant is available to assist with protecting and maintaining private household water wells or installing water filtration, water purification or disinfection systems.

The first step to determine the type of water filter or disinfection (UV system) you need is to test your water supply.

Submit the Contact Form or call us at 069-64318 for more details. To request a water test, just complete the Water Test Request form.

Not All Drinking Water Monitored for Health Risks

Approximately 20% of the population get their drinking water from private supplies, including group water schemes or private wells. In 2016, a lack of monitoring by local authorities resulted in 126 boil water notices being imposed on private water supplies which affected around 7,000 people.

The EPA has criticised the way E.coli testing of private water supplies is done by local authorities. E.coli is a faecal bacteria from animal or human waste which, when ingested, lives in the gut and causes abdominal cramping, watery diarrhoea that may change to bloody stools, and eventually a fever. In can be fatal in people who are sick or the elderly. According to the EPA, E.coli testing was not reported at over 800 private water supplies serving commercial buildings like hotels, B&Bs, pubs or public buildings [like schools, crèches, campsites, nursing homes etc]. These supplies are often more likely to be contaminated with E-Coli.

For homeowners and households worried about contamination in their drinking water supplies, we recommend the installation of a quality point of use water filter or wholehouse water filtration system.

Submit the Contact Form or call us at 069-64318 for more details. To request a water test, just complete the Water Test Request form.

Limerick Included in Poor Drinking Water Quality Report

Private drinking water supplies including those serving rural schools, hotels and hospitals have some of Ireland’s worst quality water, the Irish Environmental Protection Agency has warned. The new report form the EPA, shows that small private wells, including those in Co Limerick, have the worst E.coli contamination levels – significantly behind group water schemes and public water supplies. Private water wells on or close to dairy farms where animal and cow slurry is stored or spread are particularly vulnerable to contamination from E-coli. As well as slurry seeping into the ground, other sources of contamination include leaky well covers, foul surface water, slurry leaking into rivers and streams and pollution from household septic tanks, chemical or fuel storage.

To protect your family health and ensure safe drinking water from a private water well, a water filtration system is a sound investment. For home owners with their own private water well, a grant of up 75% of the cost subject to a maximum of €2031.58 is available from the Department of Housing Planning Community and Local Government to assist with protecting and maintaining their household water well or installing basic treatment like disinfection or filtration systems. Click here to download or read the full EPA report.

Are Plastic Bottled Water Brands Safe to Drink?

The recent recall of 14 different water bottle brands due to a possible E. coli contamination has many people wondering whether disposable plastic water bottles are safe to drink out of. While bottled water may look pretty good, bacteria can still grow in a plastic bottle’s small crinkles and crevices particularly around the cap area, the part that goes in your mouth…Read More (PDF)