EPA: Septic Systems Remain An Important Wastewater Treatment Solution

Interested in Education/Training?

Get Education/Training articles, news and videos right in your inbox! Sign up now.

Education/Training + Get Alerts

For years rural homeowners relied on chamber pots, outdoor privies and other rudimentary methods for disposal of human waste. The septic tank was developed in 1930; however, without electric power indoor plumbing for rural homes was not possible. In 1935, the U.S. Rural Electric Administration brought power to rural areas allowing a relatively inexpensive pressurized water system that could pump well water for indoor use.

A suburban housing boom followed World War II and construction outpaced the extension of municipal sewers, creating a high demand for septic systems. As a result, thousands of new homes were built where sewers were unavailable. The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) insured the homes but, unfortunately, 30 percent or more of the septic systems failed within two to three years. Many owners defaulted on their mortgages or simply abandoned their homes, leaving the FHA to take back tracts of homes.

It was clear that not enough was known about how septic systems worked. Without adequate rules and sufficient regulatory control, many systems were installed where conditions were not suitable or designs not appropriate. Also, the U.S. Public Health Service became concerned about exposures to homeowners from diseases such as typhoid fever, dysentery and diarrhea, which were prevalent in much of the country.

In response to the failures, the FHA, through the public health agency, initiated a five-year investigation of septic tank systems. It sought to develop a factual basis for how septic tank systems could be sited, designed, installed and maintained. Volumes of studies were made, culminating with the publishing of the Manual of Septic Tank Practice in 1957 (revised in 1969).

The manual cautioned homeowners to maintain a minimum distance of 50 to 100 feet between a well and septic system to avoid well contamination. They also were advised that septic systems should be connected to public sewers when they became available. These recommendations can still be found in local ordinances in many states and counties.

In 1971, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) initiated a series of studies and investigations to conceive, evaluate and develop satisfactory methods for onsite treatment and dispersal of wastewater. Several universities and institutions also performed studies. Out of this work, the Onsite Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Systems Design Manual (Purple Manual) was published in 1980 as a guideline, and it is still used today.

Although septic systems were considered inadequate and a temporary solution until sewers were available, the studies from this work demonstrated that, if constructed and maintained properly, onsite systems can provide reliable and efficient means of wastewater treatment and dispersal at a relatively low cost. As a result, onsite systems gained credibility as a viable wastewater management alternative, providing reliable service and preserving environmental quality.

By the mid-1990s, housing densities were increasing and after years of use, onsite systems were failing. In far too many cases, onsite systems were installed and largely forgotten until they failed. An estimated 10 to 20 percent of these systems malfunctioned each year, causing pollution to the environment and creating a risk to public health.

In 1997, Congress asked the EPA to analyze the costs and benefits of decentralized wastewater treatment alternatives and share plans for implementing effective alternatives. The agency concluded that “adequately managed decentralized wastewater systems are a cost-effective and long-term option for meeting public health and water-quality goals, particularly in less densely populated areas.”

The EPA acknowledged onsite systems are a necessary and permanent part of our infrastructure. Though it doesn’t have direct authority to require states to adopt better rules, the agency has published several manuals, developed an active website and provides excellent webinars that provide needed information.

We have come a long way since the 1940s, but there is still much to do. Our industry is poorly understood and largely ignored. If we are to advance, we must reach out to state and county regulators, legislators, manufacturers and, most of all, system owners. We need to listen to and understand each other, including our own biases.

People should be aware of what we do and how it benefits them. The message can be spread through press releases, YouTube, webinars and other means. As an industry, we should take a leadership role and encourage other groups to participate. It’s time we make ourselves known and talk about the importance of what we do. If not, how long will our industry last?



Discussion

Comments on this site are submitted by users and are not endorsed by nor do they reflect the views or opinions of COLE Publishing, Inc. Comments are moderated before being posted.