WRRCTR No.2 Infiltration and Percolation of Sewage Through Oahu Soils in Simulated Cesspool Lysimeters

Abstract

This study investigated conditions contributing to cesspool failure and followed selected parameters to measure the degree of treatment afforded sewage in cesspool disposal. This laboratory study utilized bench scale soil lysimeters and two basic soil types: the Wahiawa Low Humic Latosol and the Lolekaa Humic Latosol. The soils were specimens from areas of potential urban development within known ground water recharge zones. The results of this experiment indicate that unless further degradation of the effluent is effected by the soil mass, the incomplete degradation of the sewage makes it a definite hazard to ground water sources. This study presents soil-effluent inter-reaction at a one-foot depth. No conclusive evidence exists to substantiate any further degradation of the effluent by the soil at greater depths to the required U.S. Drinking Water Standards of 45 mg/l of nitrates.