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EVALUATION OF SEPTIC TANK SYSTEM EFFECTS ON GROUND WATER QUALITY
Citation:
Canter, L. AND R. Knox. EVALUATION OF SEPTIC TANK SYSTEM EFFECTS ON GROUND WATER QUALITY. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/2-84/107.
Description:
This study summarizes literature concerning the types and mechanisms of ground-water pollution from septic tank systems and provides information on methodologies for evaluating the ground water pollution potential. The conclusions are: (1) septic tank systems represent a significant source of ground-water pollution in the United States since many systems are exceeding their design life, the usage of synthetic organic chemicals in the household is increasing, and larger-scale systems are being designed and used; (2) a key issue is related to understanding the transport and fate of system effluents in the subsurface environment; (3) no specific technical methodology exists for evaluating ground water effects of septic tank systems, however, application of two empirical assessment methodologies (surface impoundment assessment and waste-soil-site interaction matrix) adjusted for annual wastewater flow and analytical method for determining water table rise, and a solute-transport model for ground water flow and pollutant concentrations has met with some success.