What is a Cesspool?

Summary

Cesspools in Hawaii are underground waste disposal systems that do not treat wastewater, leading to harmful contamination of both drinking water and marine ecosystems. These cesspools release untreated waste, including dangerous pathogens, chemicals, and nutrients like nitrogen, which harm coral reefs. With over 83,000 cesspools in Hawaii, approximately 52 million gallons of raw sewage are released daily, posing significant health and environmental risks. Hawaii has mandated the replacement of cesspools with more effective wastewater treatment systems by 2050 to safeguard public health and the environment.

Takeaways

• 😀 Cesspools are covered holes in the ground, sometimes lined with brick or concrete, that are designed to dispose of waste but not treat it.
• 🚽 Wastewater from everyday activities like flushing toilets, doing laundry, and showering is directed into cesspools, where it is not treated.
• 🌋 Cesspools in Hawaii allow untreated wastewater and chemicals to seep into the ground, where they eventually reach underground water sources.
• 💧 Hawaii relies on underground aquifers for drinking water, and cesspools can contaminate this water with dangerous pathogens and chemicals.
• 🌊 Cesspools also harm ocean ecosystems through submarine groundwater discharge, linking contaminated groundwater to the ocean.
• 🦠 Human waste in cesspools contains harmful viruses and bacteria that can make people sick if the contaminated water is consumed.
• 🌿 Cesspools release nutrients like nitrogen into the environment, leading to harmful algal blooms that damage coral reefs.
• 💊 Medications and personal care products in wastewater can negatively affect Hawaii’s plants and animals, adding to environmental damage.
• 🏝 Hawaii has over 83,000 cesspools that contribute an estimated 52 million gallons of raw sewage into the environment daily.
• ⏳ Cesspools must be replaced with more effective wastewater treatment systems by 2050 to protect public health and the environment.

Q & A

What is a cesspool?

A cesspool is essentially a covered hole in the ground, sometimes lined with brick or concrete. It is designed to collect and dispose of wastewater but does not treat it.

How does a cesspool function?

Wastewater from activities like flushing toilets, using sinks, taking showers, and doing laundry is directed into the cesspool, where it remains untreated. The waste eventually moves through the porous lava rock underground.

What environmental issues do cesspools cause?

Cesspools contaminate underground water sources, including aquifers, with harmful pathogens and household chemicals. They also contribute to pollution in oceans through submarine groundwater discharge.

Why are cesspools problematic for drinking water in Hawaii?

Since Hawaii relies on underground aquifers for drinking water, cesspools contaminate these aquifers, leading to potential health risks from harmful bacteria, viruses, and chemicals in the water.

What is submarine groundwater discharge?

Submarine groundwater discharge is the process where underground water, including pollutants from cesspools, flows into the ocean, impacting marine ecosystems.

How do cesspools affect marine life in Hawaii?

Pollution from cesspools contains nutrients like nitrogen, which can cause algal blooms, negatively impacting coral reefs and other ocean ecosystems.

What kinds of pollutants are released from cesspools?

Cesspools release viruses, bacteria, household chemicals, medications, and personal care product residues, which can harm both human health and the environment.

How many cesspools are there in Hawaii, and what is their environmental impact?

Hawaii has over 83,000 cesspools, contributing to an estimated 52 million gallons of raw sewage being released into the environment daily.

What measures are being taken to address the cesspool problem?

Hawaii is requiring cesspools to be replaced with more effective wastewater treatment systems by 2050 to protect public health and the environment.

What is the goal of replacing cesspools by 2050?

The goal is to upgrade cesspools to protect human health, safeguard the environment, and ensure the safety of Hawaii’s drinking water and ocean ecosystems.