Steve Levy and his think tank, The Center for Cost Effective Government, need a refresher on the environmental benefits of sanitary sewers over cesspools (“Think Tank Shatters Myth That Sewers Provide Cleaner Drinking Water,” October 16, 2024). Mr. Levy mistakenly claims that Nassau County’s drinking water issues stem from 90% of the county being sewered. In reality, the problems are due to contamination from pollutants like pesticides and herbicides, outdated infrastructure, high population density leading to aquifer over-extraction, saltwater intrusion, and climate change.
When comparing waste management systems, sanitary sewers clearly offer more environmental benefits than cesspools. Sanitary sewers transport wastewater to centralized treatment facilities, where contaminants are effectively removed before water is returned to the environment. In contrast, cesspools rely on soil filtration, which often fails to eliminate harmful pathogens and chemicals, risking groundwater contamination.
Cesspools are also prone to overflow during heavy rain, allowing untreated waste to contaminate nearby land and water. Sanitary sewers minimize this risk by using a closed system that directs waste to treatment plants, significantly reducing environmental contamination.
Moreover, improperly managed cesspools can spread waterborne diseases, posing health risks to communities. Sanitary sewers mitigate these risks through controlled wastewater treatment, protecting public health.
Modern sewage treatment facilities often utilize advanced technologies for water recycling and resource extraction, such as biogas for energy. Cesspools lack these capabilities, leading to wasted resources and missed sustainability opportunities.
As urban areas expand, sanitary sewer systems can be upgraded to meet increased demand, while cesspools have limited capacity and can quickly become overwhelmed. Additionally, sanitary sewers operate under stringent regulations, ensuring compliance and environmental protection — something cesspools often lack.
In summary, sanitary sewers are a more sustainable option, essential for public health and environmental stewardship. Transitioning to these systems should be a priority for communities.
Bruce Kennedy