Third of septic tanks a 'risk to human health or environment', says EPA

Half of all septic tanks and other domestic water treatment systems failed health inspections last year, and the public have been encouraged to test their systems annually.

Almost a third of water treatment systems inspected by local authorities were a “risk to human health or the environment”, according to a report from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Half of all septic tanks and other domestic water treatment systems failed health inspections last year, and the public have been encouraged to test their systems annually.