A cesspool is an outdoor, underground drywell which receives waste and wastewater from homes, industries, or businesses. A cesspool may also be called a shallow disposal system or Class V well. After the waste enters the cesspool, it breaks down into liquids that seep into the ground through holes in the cesspool. The wastewater also leaves through the holes and enters the soil. 

In a cesspool system, disease-causing pollutants from untreated waste can enter shallow groundwater and contaminate drinking water, streams, lakes, and eventually oceans. Failing cesspool systems can expose people to harmful bacteria and viruses. Odors can pose human health risks. If materials such as chemicals, oil, gas, pesticides, or paints enter a cesspool, they can harm the environment. These toxic liquids should never be poured down the drain.

Cesspool systems should be properly sited, constructed, and operated to protect the environment and human health and prevent contamination. State and local governments regulate cesspools for homes. In the past, many were built very close to shorelines and now that these cesspools are aging they may leak directly into ocean waters. Many are being replaced with modern septic systems. The federal government required the closing of all large-capacity cesspools by April 2005.

This description is based on the information found in the Web links listed with this topic.

Web Links from MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine)
Drinking Water
E. Coli Infections
Environmental Health
Giardia Infections
Hepatitis A
Parasitic Diseases
Water Pollution

More Links
Cesspools (Northern Arizona University)
Class V Wells (Environmental Protection Agency)
Large-Capacity Cesspools (Environmental Protection Agency)

Last Updated: October 16, 2012