REMARC: A research strategy towards promoting national remediation of septic tanks

Approx. 500,000 domestic wastewater treatment systems (DWWTS) supplying 80% of rural dwellers in the ROI; malfunctioning DWWTS pose environmental health risks. Rural households both source and receptor of private well contamination, with DWWTS a key point source; threat to water quality exacerbated by climate change. Obligations to preserve water quality under EU Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC) and Water Services Act 2007 (as amended). National Inspection Plan (NIP) developed by EPA in 2012 to address regulatory and behavioural deficits; comprises min. 1,200 annual DWWTS inspections in high-risk areas and public communication strategy.