Building Capacity to Investigate Link Between Wastewater, Groundwater Contamination, & Human Health Grant uri icon

abstract

  • The study has been designed to investigate the contamination of groundwater with wastewater dispersed by septic systems and to monitor drinking water quality in houses served with both septic systems and private wells. Within the Coastal Plain of NC, almost 60% of residents are served with septic systems (Tillman, 2004). The density of septic systems (number of septic systems per unit of area) in coastal NC is often high and the vertical separation from the bottom of the dispersion field to the water table is often very shallow. This constitutes a great public health and economic concern in NC because fecal coliform bacteria have been linked to closures of shellfisheries, swimming advisories, and the listing of coastal streams on the state's 303(d) list (list of impaired waters). Similar concerns can be addressed in GA or other coastal states of the U.S. The study objectives are: to evaluate the effectiveness of septic tanks; to determine the characteristics of wastewater dispersion fields; to monitor drinking water quality from private wells; to determine the effectiveness of subsurface septic treatment in sandy coastal soils of NC by measuring nitrogen and bacteria migration to the surficial aquifer; and to study the link between septic systems and GW contamination. Two houses in the Coastal Plain of NC each served with a septic system and a private well will be identified to investigate groundwater contamination. Electrical resistivity surveys will help document the extent of the wastewater plumes. Groundwater quality samples (N and bacteria) will be taken on a bimonthly basis (beginning in May 2009). Ion-specific electrodes and groundwater level recorders will record water quality and groundwater table variations. Monthly visits to sites will be performed to download data and collect samples for septic tank performance determination and drinking water quality monitoring.

date/time interval

  • May 2009 - May 2010