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Cesspools are little more than holes in the ground that discharge raw, untreated human waste.
Cesspools are in use in Hawaii, leaching sewage into our groundwater and oceans
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Discharge contaminates oceans, streams, and groundwater with organics and nitrates. These act as food for bacteria and algae that overwhelm coral reefs.
Of all domestic water in Hawaii comes from groundwater
Cesspools in Cesspools in Hawai`i release approximately 53 million gallons of untreated sewage into the ground each day. Historically, Polynesians buried their waste in the soil. The switch to using water to flush wastes away to cesspool has worked for a while. Unfortunately, it has become clear that the burden on local reefs and soils is too much and it's time to make a change.
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The year Act 125 mandates every cesspool must be replaced by.
Untreated wastewater contains pathogens such as protozoa and viruses that can cause gastroenteritis, Hepatitis A, salmonellosis and cholera.
DOH studies have found wastewater indicator bacteria in 25% of domestic water wells in Kea'ua and about half of domestic water wells in Hawaiian Paradise Park.
Reefs that are disappearing in Hawaii have been shown to have 46-80% more wastewater pollution and runoff than healthy reefs.
Like cesspools, septic systems are widely recognized for their inability to remove nitrogen from wastewater. This deficiency is a significant environmental concern, as the nitrogen that remains in the wastewater eventually makes its way into the ocean. Once there, it contributes to the degradation of marine ecosystems, particularly harming coral reefs. Coral reefs are vital to marine life, acting as a source of food and shelter for a diverse range of species. The excess nitrogen promotes the growth of algae, which can overwhelm coral reefs, blocking the sunlight they need to survive and disrupting the delicate balance of these ecosystems.
Higher cost Aerobic Treatment Units (ATUs), despite being marketed as a better alternative to conventional septic systems for nitrogen removal, have not been shown to work any better in Hawaii. This highlights the need for to find alternative solutions that are both affordable and effective at protecting local ecosystems.
25-70% of septic tanks are failing due to a lack of maintenance, depending on the state. WaiHome makes maintenance affordable and easy.
Wastewater upgrades aren't cheap, but by eliminating excavation we keep costs down and give you performance that's worth the money.
Historically in Hawaii, feces was never mixed with water. With that said, it's an accepted part of modern life. Mata is here to do the solids separation for us.
Conventional ATU pumps fail and drive up your electricity bill. We use algae to keep electricity use to a minimum.
Up to 50% higher Nitrogen removal than conventional underground systems with passive algal treatment.
It's hard to imagine that protecting the land should begin with tearing it up. Excavation equipment not only affects your landscaping and your neighbors fence but it also compacts soils and reduces water infiltration rates.
Act 125 in Hawai'i is the game-changer we've been waiting for in wastewater management. In a nutshell, it's the state's bold move to say 'Alohaʻāina' in a big way by transitioning from the old-school cesspools to more effective and environmentally friendly systems by the year 2050.
The goal? To protect our precious water sources, reefs, and overall health from contamination. It's a clear call to action for all of us living in paradise to upgrade our game and embrace smarter, cleaner ways to manage our waste. In true island spirit, it's all about taking care of our ʻāina for future generations.
In essence, while Act 125 presents challenges, it also offers homeowners the opportunity to contribute positively to Hawai'i's environmental legacy, ensuring the islands remain a paradise for everyone.
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