On-site wastewater management - An Integrated approach to improving water quality and preventing disease

The postwar economic and population expansion of the 1950s resulted in a ho me-building boom and the installation of over 9,500 mechanical home aeratio n sewage systems in Hamilton County, Ohio. Most of these systems discharged to common collector lines, stormwater sewers, and dry ravines. Homeowners were not educated about proper maintenance and operation of the systems, Co nsequently, widespread degradation of water quality occurred, In 1994 public outcry forced the Hamilton County Board of Health to impleme nt an intensive and successful routine inspection program. Today, all aerat ion systems are inspected annually, Upon approval, the Hamilton County Boar d of Health issues an operation permit. The operation permit and the inspection program, along with policies, staff development, and technological components, have resulted in water quality improvements in Hamilton County. A strong homeowner education program is pa rt of the inspection program; success in reducing water pollution and the t hreat of potential disease in Hamilton County neighborhoods may be partiall y attributed to persuasive homeowner education.