57 septic tank pollution incidents recorded in Cumbria and Lancashire

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 10 Oct, 07:08 · Archive

Cumbria and Lancashire accounted for nearly 5% of septic tank and private sewage pollution incidents in England over a decade.

Between 2015 and 2025, the Environment Agency recorded 57 pollution incidents related to septic tanks and private sewage systems in Cumbria and Lancashire. This accounts for nearly 5% of 1,184 such incidents across England during the same period, with most occurring at domestic properties.

The figures were obtained through a Freedom of Information request by CSG, one of the UK's largest domestic waste operators, which services more than 20,000 septic tanks annually. An estimated three million UK households rely on cesspits or septic tanks, often because they lack access to mains sewage.

David Cashmore, group operations manager at CSG, said faulty septic tanks can cause serious problems. 'Faulty septic tanks can cause serious issues, including polluted streams and waterways, contamination of watercourses, bad smells and harm to fish and wildlife,' he said. Under Environment Agency rules, non-compliant septic tanks can result in enforcement notices and fines.

National figures show a rising trend in recent years. In 2025, there were 120 recorded incidents nationally, compared with 78 in 2024 and 89 in 2023. The worst year on record was 2021, with 152 incidents reported.

Cashmore urged homeowners to maintain effective sewage systems. 'The vast majority are maintained effectively but we wanted to find out the extent of the pollution problem,' he said, adding that owners should 'deploy a robust maintenance strategy' to remain compliant with regulations.

57 septic tank pollution incidents recorded in Cumbria and Lancashire — Image: NW Evening Mail

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Septic tanks linked to 57 pollution incidents in Cumbria and LancashireCumbria and Lancashire is the scene of almost 5% of pollution incidents related to septic tanks or private sewage systems over the past decade.NW Evening Mail · 10 Oct, 06:00
Septic tanks linked to 57 pollution incidents in Cumbria and LancashireCumbria and Lancashire is the scene of almost 5% of pollution incidents related to septic tanks or private sewage systems over the past decade.Whitehaven News · 10 Oct, 06:00
Septic tanks linked to 57 pollution incidents in Cumbria and LancashireCumbria and Lancashire is the scene of almost 5% of pollution incidents related to septic tanks or private sewage systems over the past decade.Westmorland Gazette · 10 Oct, 06:00
Septic tanks linked to 57 pollution incidents in Cumbria and LancashireCumbria and Lancashire is the scene of almost 5% of pollution incidents related to septic tanks or private sewage systems over the past decade.News & Star · 10 Oct, 06:00

In this story: Cumbria · Lancashire · Environment Agency · CSG · David Cashmore

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