Common sense on septic tanks urged

The Minister for the Environment is introducing regulations that may well recommend that all or most existing septic tanks should be desludged or emptied over the coming year.

My understanding of septic tanks is that if your tank is working correctly, it should almost never need emptying as the natural bacteria should break down and dispose of most of the solid materials.

However, if so-called grey water from baths, showers, washing machines etc is added, then detergents involved will destroy the natural bacteria in the septic tank.