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.
