Farmers urged to register septic tanks

Environment Agency Wales is reminding thousands of farmers and owners of rural dwellings that they must register their septic tanks or fall foul of new regulations.

The Agency has sent out more than 70,000 letters and registration forms urging people to register septic tanks or small package treatment plants as soon as possible.

Strong evidence points to poorly maintained septic tanks contributing to poor water quality in rivers, lakes and coastal waters.

The Agency said there is also a danger that pollution from septic tanks could contaminate private water supplies from wells, boreholes and springs.

“Knowing the location of septic tanks will help agency officers check for any poorly maintained tanks that could be the cause of pollution in the area,’’ said a spokesperson.

In Wales, registration is free although single properties with up to nine occupants, which have a larger septic tank, may have to pay a one-off charge of £125.

The closing date for registration is June 30th. Tanks can be registered online via the Environment Agency’s website.