Flushing Out Answers: Scientists Investigate Smarter Septic Systems for Cape Cod
Ever wonder where your shampoo goes after it swirls down the drain? Spoiler alert: if you live on Cape Cod, the answer could be your backyard—and your favorite swimming spot.
One-third of all homes in Massachusetts rely on septic systems rather than sewers to dispose of wastewater, and on Cape Cod that number is much higher – 85 percent. These systems are good at removing bacteria but not at removing chemicals from toiletries, medications, detergents and other chemicals that can contaminate the groundwater, coastal waterways and ecosystems. Some of these contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) can disrupt the hormones that help fish and other aquatic animals grow and reproduce.
WHOI Sea Grant researchers Jed Goldstone and his co-PI, Helen Poynton from UMass Boston, discussed their work during a recent outreach event in Falmouth called “Sip O’Science” along with George Heufelder of the Massachusetts Alternative Septic System Test Center. Cape residents had the opportunity to learn how innovative alternative septic systems remove nitrogen and may keep CECs from impacting our delicate coastal ecosystems.
