Westmeath records one of highest septic tank failure rates in the country

Westmeath has come close to the bottom of a national table for its performance in monitoring and rectifying faulty septic tank systems, according to a new report from the Environmental Protection Agency.

The EPA’s Domestic Waste Water Treatment System Inspections 2025 report ranked Westmeath second last among local authorities for the percentage of failed systems that had been fixed by the end of last year. Only Cork City recorded a lower remediation rate.

The report showed that 85% of septic tank systems inspected in Westmeath during 2025 failed inspection, one of the highest failure rates in the country. A total of 65 systems in the county failed inspection between 2013 and 2025, but only 57% had been rectified by the end of last year.

Nationally, the EPA said 84% of failed systems had been fixed, placing Westmeath well below the state average.

The EPA warned that faulty domestic waste water treatment systems pose a significant risk to both public health and the environment, particularly through contamination of rivers, streams and household drinking water wells.

Across the country, 1,466 septic tank inspections were carried out by local authorities in 2025, with 59% failing inspection. Problems identified included inadequate desludging and maintenance, leaks, ponding, illegal discharges to ditches and streams, and rainwater ingress.

While Westmeath completed more inspections than required under the national inspection plan – carrying out 20 inspections against a target of seven – the county’s remediation performance placed it among the poorest performers nationally.

The EPA said nine local authorities nationwide had resolved fewer than 80% of advisory notices issued following failed inspections, meaning many defective systems remain unresolved for years. The agency said councils need to “increase enforcement, including prosecution where warranted” to ensure faulty systems are repaired.

The report noted that grants for septic tank remediation were increased from €5,000 to €12,000 from the start of 2024, which has helped improve compliance nationally.

Westmeath also recorded a high failure rate in the EPA’s 2024 report, when 92% of inspected systems failed. At that stage, only 63% of failed systems in the county had been rectified.