Pit latrine effluent infiltration into groundwater

Considerable effort and research has been directed towards developing technologies for protecting wells from external surface contamination. Little has been done towards investigating ground water pollution patterns arising from core existing pit latrines and wells. Generally latrines are sited within the homestead. Sites for wells are as determined by groundwater availability. Most rural sanitary facilities deposit wastewater into the ground from which water is obtained for domestic purposes. On-site wastewater disposal facilities must be monitored for the likelihood to pollute water supply sources to guarantee investments in rural water and sanitation supplies. In rural areas where the population continues to grow the land available for homestead use decreases in proportion. Land reform programs tend to increase homestead densities in zoned residential areas and reduce distances between pit latrine and family wells thereby increasing the possibility of groundwater effluent pollution. It is therefore possible that effluent from latrines may pollute adjacent wells within the homestead. We are investigating the extent and seasonal variation of pit latrine effluent constituents in groundwater. This report presents preliminary findings from monitoring sites in Epworth.