Proper Septic Tank care is essential for the environment

IT’S estimated that there is over 30,000 domestic waste water systems in Kerry, which is a figure that continues to grow in line with rural development and planning.

Environment Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines introduced a few years ago – implemented in conjunction with the local authority - mean homeowners with septic tanks or waste water treatment systems are obliged under law to keep records of wastewater system maintenance, i.e. to prove the system is being emptied regularly by a registered contractor.

In rural areas septic tanks are more numerous given the remoteness of dwellings. For many years the issue of maintaining septic tanks was unregulated. Of course this is all fine in cases where a septic tank is working efficiently, but this isn’t always so and it can be a nuisance for householders and the environment when it goes wrong. A poorly maintained or neglected septic tank ‘WILL’ cause trouble and it’s better to work with, rather than against, the problem by having your system cleaned and maintained regularly by a registered waste water contractor.

The general procedure for tank inspections tends to focus mainly in areas that are ‘risk assessed’ under EPA regulations to protect environmentally sensitive locations and each property is randomly chosen within this ‘risk assigned’ area for inspection.

You should have your septic tank emptied by an officially registered contractor at least every two years depending on the amount of usage and efficiency of the percolation area. The new laws also forbid the use of separate soakage pits for wastewater from sinks, showers, washing machines (known as grey water) which may result in you having to get your tank emptied more frequently. There are, however, many ways in which you can help bring a septic tank up to standard.