The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #70468

Richard J Gelting, PhD, Environmental Health Services Branch, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway, NE, Mailstop F-28, Atlanta, GA 30341, 770-488-7067, rug7@cdc.gov and Robert L Chessin, MSPH, Center For Environmental Analysis, RTI, PO Box 12194, Research Triangle Institute, NC 27709.

Properly designed, installed, and operated onsite wastewater systems can be as effective as municipal wastewater treatment plants in reducing public health risks associated with wastewater. However, contamination of drinking water from failing onsite systems does occur, and people do contract gastrointestinal illnesses as a result of these failures. For example, at a county fair in New York, more than 900 people reported diarrhea, 70 were hospitalized, and 2 died when vendors made beverages using water from a well contaminated by a septic system. However, estimating the number of people exposed to contaminants as a result of failing onsite systems and the number who actually become ill from such exposures is difficult because waterborne-disease surveillance and other population-based studies are limited. By comprehensively reviewing the literature on waterborne disease outbreaks, onsite wastewater disposal, and population-based (epidemiologic) studies related to onsite wastewater systems, we explored environmental conditions and health factors associated with known and potential exposure to wastewater contaminants. We reached conclusions in three areas: health impacts, technology and design, and management. We found that certain populations (especially those with private wells) are probably routinely exposed to onsite wastewater contaminants and that reported disease outbreaks greatly underrepresent health impacts such as gastrointestinal illness from failure of onsite systems. Technology and design choices and management also heavily impact the performance of onsite systems, and therefore, their potential public health impacts. When onsite systems are well designed, suited to environmental conditions, and managed properly, they can protect public health. Research is needed to better measure the health impacts of failing onsite wastewater disposal systems.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of this session, the audience will:
• Understand the potential public health impacts of on-site wastewater disposal systems, including cumulative effects.

Keywords: Environmental Health, Water Quality

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.