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.

Yet, the Minister seems to be proposing that all such detergent-loaded water be sent to the septic tanks.

There is a good environmental case to be made for minimising the use of such detergents and finding other ways of disposing of grey water.

While the regulation of environmental matters, including septic tanks, is very desirable, it is vital that common sense and genuine care for the environment should underpin such regulation.

Edward Horgan

Newtown

Castletroy

Limerick