Residential sewage lagoon systems: a homeowner’s guide to installation and maintenance

Abstract

"Residential waste stabilization lagoons are commonly used for onsite sewage treatment in Missouri in low-population areas where soils are not suited for conventional absorption field systems. An estimated 30 percent of all housing units in Missouri use onsite wastewater treatment systems. Several surveys throughout the state have shown that 70 percent, or 150,000, of these systems are not functioning properly. Counties in the Missouri Ozarks are particularly at risk. Human contact with sewage is a serious public health risk. Drinking water contaminated with sewage can cause health problems such as diarrhea, nausea, cramps, dysentery and hepatitis. Exposure to sewer gases can also cause discomfort and illness."--Page 1.