Cesspool conversion & wastewater upgrades

Names and classification

Record type

intervention

Kauaʻi occurrence and status

Recorded state

Available, active, proposed or context-dependent

Conservation interventions

Action definition

Reduce nutrient/pathogen discharge to groundwater and coastal waters

Mechanism of action

Upgrade cesspools/septic or connect to compliant treatment systems; improve wastewater operation

Prerequisites

Funding; permitting; suitable site/infrastructure; homeowner participation

Implementation context

Groundwater-connected coastal and watershed areas with wastewater sources

Expected outcomes

Lower nutrient/pathogen loading to groundwater, estuaries and reefs

Monitoring design

Upgrades completed; nutrient/fecal indicators; groundwater/coastal water quality

Unintended consequences

Cost burden and construction disturbance; system performance must be maintained

Implementation limits

Implementation status, cost and efficacy must be tied to a dated place/program record.

Sources and further reading

• https://health.hawaii.gov/kauai/wastewater-faqs/
• https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/pacific-islands/ecosystems/coral-health-and-threats-pacific-islands

Connected Atlas records

• Wastewater & nutrient loading · Threats & Conservation