Septic tanks pose a health risk nationwide

Water experts are warning that so little is known about the status of the country's 270-thousand or so septic tanks that they could be a major health risk.

Today, two Northland communities told RNZ's Nine To Noon that septic tanks were swamped in recent flooding, with their putrid overflow contaminating playing fields and playgrounds

Water New Zealand's chief executive Gillian Blythe speaks to Māni Dunlop.