Sewer and Wastewater Resources

Fecal Coliform in Coastal Communities 

Lipp, E.K, Farrah, S.A. and Rose, J.B. (2001) in a paper titled "Assessment and Impact of Microbial Fecal Pollution and Human Enteric Pathogens in a Coastal community" concluded that surface water bodies at risk are those with high concentrations of septic tanks. They state:

"Tracer studies demonstrate rapid movement of viruses from septic tanks into nearby coastal waters."

"Viruses may migrate under saturated conditions beyond current setback distance required between the drain field and wet weather water table."

"Under current regulations Florida soils may not be able to filter viral pathogens adequately."

“Infectious enteroviruses were detected throughout the study area, indicating a widespread contamination problem and a potential public health risk.”

Nutrient and Microbial Movement

Postma, et al. GW (1992), in an article titled “Nutrient and Microbial Movement from Seasonally-Used Septic Systems,” states:

“Unsewered season vacation communities present unique problems for on-site sewage disposal. Seasonal occupancy may promote the transmission of contaminants to groundwater due to incomplete formation of a biological clogging mat in the soil absorption system. Groundwater surrounding three seasonally-used septic systems was monitored to determine the movement and attenuation of nitrogen, phosphorus and two bacterial indicators of human fecal contamination, fecal coliforms and Clostridium perfringens. Nitrate-N concentrations were often three to four-fold greater than the drinking water standard at wells 6 m from the soil absorption systems. Minimal phosphorus migration occurred from these systems.”