A spokesperson from the Environmental Protection Agency has advised locals to keep-on-top of the maintenance works needed for septic tank systems in order to avoid serious consequences.
Noel Byrne's comments come after the EPA released its latest inspection report.
Over half of septic tank systems failed inspections after they were deemed a "risk" to human and environmental health.
Across the Shannonside Northern Sound region, 90% of septic tank systems failed inspection in Leitrim, and and 79% failed in Roscommon.
Meanwhile, failed inspections locally were slightly less, with the failure of 44% of septic tank tank systems in Monaghan and 32% in Cavan.
Speaking on the Joe Finnegan Show earlier today, the agency representative reminded people that faulty septic tank systems are a "risk" to the environment and to people's health, particularly if they have a "drinking water well" on site.
He added that "nobody wants to see" sewage contaminating streams in rural communities, and that there are a "many ways" in which locals can ensure that the "right thing is done."
