Almost 60% of septic tanks failed inspection last year, EPA report finds

When septic tanks fail inspection, local authorities issue advisory notices to householders setting out what is required to fix the problem. File picture 

Almost 60% of septic tanks failed inspection last year, putting drinking water wells and rivers at risk, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has found.

Cork City had the lowest number of identified septic tank failures fixed in the country, with just 29% of broken septic tanks repaired at the end of 2025.