Environmental Impacts of Septic Systems

by

Shawn Crist, Randal Monroe, and Jason Poats

Introduction

• Sanitary sewers are usually non-existent in rural areas of the country, forcing rural residents to use on-site sewage disposal systems. These disposal systems work well in disposing of sewage, but when installed improperly or placed in poor geologic conditions, septic systems may have negative environmental impacts.

  Approximately 1/3 of all homes in the United States dispose of their wastewater through septic systems, and about 25 percent of all new homes include septic tanks. Septic systems have been identified as local and regionalized sources of groundwater pollution. The major pollutants associated with septic systems are nitrates and bacteria.

  Where sewers are not available, septic systems are usually the only alternative. Where traditional septic systems cannot be installed due to site constraints, there are alternatives such as low pressure dosing and sand filters. However these alternative methods are more expensive than the traditional septic system.

  Introduction

  Septic Systems

  Groundwater Pollution

  Septic System Alternatives

Ground Water Pollution Table of Contents

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Faculty Advisor: Naraine Persaud, npers@vt.edu
Copyright © 1998 Naraine Persaud
Last Modified: January 1, 1999