More than half of household septic tanks have failed their first inspection. That is according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) which has released an interim review of the scheme that began last July.

Testing of household septic tanks began last year under European waste regulations. Up to the end of February, 423 tanks had been checked and 53% had failed.

The highest rate of problems was reported in Co. Roscommon, where 78.9% of tanks did not pass.

One of the best performers was county Westmeath, with more than 86% making the grade there.

The EPA says many failures could be avoided by people taking simple steps to maintain their water treatment systems. Advice is available on their website - www.epa.ie

Local authorities are supposed to have inspected 1,000 tanks by July this year. By the end of February, workers in five counties had already completed their allocated quota of inspections for the 12-month period.