The Impact of Climate Change on Massachusetts Septic Systems Climate Change + Population Increase = Imbalance in the Waterways of Cape Cod, Massachusetts. The old septic systems used by about 95% of the growing population of Cape Cod are contributing to rising nitrogen and phosphorus levels in the waterways which are slowly warming due to climate change. Septic systems are a great option in places where homes are too spread out to justify sewers and water treatment plants but they don’t filter out the nitrogen and phosphorus that ends up seeping into groundwater. When nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus runoff into the water, they act as a fertilizer for bacteria and algae. This combination of factors has resulted in an “explosion” of blue-green algae to take over the Cape and wreak havoc on the ecosystem. After several lawsuits filed by environmentalists, the state of Massachusetts has proposed that local communities are required to fix the problem within 20 years. This has created some pushback from the community of Mashpee, MA that has already started installing a sewer system, the construction of which was projected to be spread out over 25 years. If the proposed rule is enforced, that would force the community to move faster and find a way to cover the huge cost of construction. This raises the issue of cost in general since sewers and water treatment plants are extremely expensive for the community and new septic systems can be a huge expense to the individual homeowners in the area, many of whom are retired and living on fixed incomes. How this plays out in Massachusetts will be viewed by other states in the future as they seek to address similar surface water quality issues in areas with a high density of decentralized wastewater treatment. For more information concerning Nutrient Runoff from Septic Systems check out some of the following resources: Septic Systems and Surface Water This interactive graphic and diagram explains how nutrients and pathogens from your septic system may impact streams, lakes, or other water bodies near your home. Nutrients from septic systems can impact well and surface water This article goes into detail about the impact a malfunctioning septic system has on the surrounding waterways, wells, and groundwater. How Nitrogen from Septic Systems Can Harm Water Quality This 2-page fact sheet describes how nitrogen can affect the soil and water in the areas surrounding your septic system. For more information concerning Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) check out some of the following resources from WaterOperator.org: Addressing HABs and Cyanotoxins in Drinking Water with the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund This 4-page fact sheet describes DWSRF eligibilities related HABS. It provides several case studies where DWSRF funds were used for HABs related activities. Algae/Cyanobacteria Toxins and Public Water Systems This 31-slide presentation discusses how to understand the problem, know what tools are available, and plan how to manage a cyanotoxin event. Algal Toxin Risk Assessment and Management Strategic Plan for Drinking Water This 81-page report is a strategic plan for assessing and managing risks associated with algal toxins in drinking water provided by public water systems. This plan presents examples of recently completed and ongoing HAB-related activities and provides steps and timelines for intended future EPA activities. These ongoing and future activities outline EPA’s plan for the next few months through the next five years and beyond. January 27, 2023 By Katelyn McLaughlin Decentralized Wastewater, Water News algae, cyanobacteria, cyanotoxins, HAB, harmful algal bloom, nitrogen, nutrient runoff, phosphorus, septic 0 0 Comment Read More »
Most Clicked Newsletter Sources in 2021 Over the course of 2021, we published dozens of newsletters relaying the most important and applicable information throughout the year. There were some sources that stood out to our readers more than others. Listed below are the most clicked sources that were listed in our newsletters throughout 2021. ‘They thought I was so low’: Women say they were harassed, bullied, ignored at the powerful water agency This Los Angeles Times article discusses the experiences of three different women in the water industry around California who have each experienced various forms of harassment at work. Water Infrastructure Receives Low Grades on ASCE Infrastructure Report Card The water sector continued to receive poor marks on the American Society of Civil Engineers 2021 Infrastructure Report Card. Florida Officials Warn of 20-Foot ‘Wall of Water’ if Reservoir Breaches A wastewater treatment facility in Piney Point Florida had a leak so concerning it caused hundreds of people in the surrounding area to be evacuated. Deadly Water Tank Explosion Caught on Astonishing Video in Central Valley A 1.5 million gallon city water tank exploded in Central Valley California and it was caught on camera. Chlorine Shortage: Cities Ask People to Reduce Water Use States across the West were experiencing a chlorine shortage that was beginning to impact their drinking water utilities. Worsening Climate Extremes and Failing Infrastructure are Inexorably Intertwined In the United States, we are seeing that the effects of climate change are exacerbated because of the country's failing infrastructure. Ida Remnants Pound Northeast With Rain, Flooding, Tornadoes Hurricane Ida wreaked havoc on water and wastewater utilities across the country. “Flushable” Wipes are Ruining Sewage Plants Verge Science explains why "flushable" wipes are not actually flushable. Resilient Strategies Guide for Water Utilities This tool can help utilities develop plans that address their unique needs and priorities. WEF Announces Operator Scholarships The Water Environmental Federation (WEF) announced the availability of scholarships of $2,500 to $5,000 for operators seeking certification or professional development. River Runner Tool This innovative tool can be used to track the path of a raindrop from anywhere in the United States. Water Affordability Dashboard A dashboard of information about the cost of water services and affordability for single-family residential homes in the United States. Child Dresses Up as Water Tower for Halloween A TikTok video went viral of a little girl who dressed up as a water tower for Halloween. Operator Educates Millions on TikTok A wastewater treatment plant operator gained millions of views on TikTok after posting numerous informational videos on various wastewater topics. February 21, 2022 By Margaret Emergency Response, Operations and Maintenance, Water News 0 0 Comment Read More »