Nearly half a million households nationally have septic tanks to treat their sewage
63% of septic tanks failed inspection in Kildare last year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Some 38 inspections were carried out in the county in 2022.
Kildare County Council was required to carry out at least 21 inspections last year.
In a nine year period from 2013- 2022, 131 septic tanks failed inspections in Kildare.
However, by the end of 2022, 77% of issues cited had been rectified in the county.
Half of all septic tanks inspected by local authorities last year failed inspection nationally, according to the EPA.
More than 1,100 inspections were completed last year.
The EPA reported that half of the septic tanks (560) failed inspection. One in five, or 230, were deemed to pose a risk to human health and the environment.
Inspections by Clare, Waterford and Offaly Councils were well below their 2022 requirements.
Structural defects and lack of maintenance were the most common reasons for failure.
Households are notified when they fail the inspection, advised that they must be fixed, and told of repair grants of up to €5,000 available in certain circumstances.
The EPA said local authorities need to increase enforcement where it is warranted so that environmental and public health are protected.
Stephen McCarthy, Inspector in the EPA's Office of Environmental Enforcement joined Caoimhe Harney on Wednesday's Kildare Focus, he gave advice on how to apply for septic tank maintenance grants;
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