The History of Septic Systems -

The History of Septic Systems

History is what makes people who they are. We can look back and learn from mistakes or be inspired by resilience and ingenuity. The nomadic lifestyle of humanity, before large civilizations, allowed waste to go through natural decomposition cycles. However, as the population grew, so did the areas of concentrated waste. The idea of septic systems can be traced as far back as 4,000 BC.

Babylonians & The Mesopotamian Empire

4000 – 2500 BC

Archaeologists have discovered proof of creative and complex waste disposal systems created by the Babylonians. The waste may not have been treated before it was released into nature, but it was removed from dwellings through gutters and drainage systems. People would crouch over a hole, and the waste would enter a cesspit. Many times, there were rock or clay drainage trenches that carried the waste out of the city. This design was inspired by the need for cleanliness and the belief that human waste was connected to moral evil.

Ancient Egyptian Civilization

2000 BC – 500 BC

Egyptians also clung to cleanliness as means of moral righteousness. The pyramids and the excavation of Egyptian civilization have shown restrooms connected to waste disposal trenches and piping. Many of the aristocrat homes had limestone toilets with piping that moved the waste outdoors and into the sand. This sand would be regularly cleaned by servants, who would transport the waste away from civilization. This method of treatment was quite effective, since sand is a natural filter, and is still used in modern septic systems.

Greek Civilization & The Roman Empire

800 BC – 330 AD

The esteem for sanitation and proper waste removal collapsed along with the Roman empire. Sewers were forgotten, waste was dumped in the streets and cleaning oneself regularly was believed to contribute to illnesses. Rodents and diseases thrived, causing many epidemics. Not all areas and institutions ignored sanitation, however, the drinking water still became contaminated through the disposal of waste.

The Middle Ages

476 – 1800 AD

It was during this period that stationary outhouses became more popular. They were often built near or attached to residences and were made of wood and metal. Although this may have seemed more sanitary than the chamber pots, the waste pits for the outhouses were not contained. The waste often seeped through the ground and contaminated the water. This issue was not recognized and fixed until the early 20^th century.

Fun Fact: A family in Maine built a three-story outhouse. It was so well built and convenient that the owner didn’t replace it with a modern toilet until the year 2000 and it was built in the mid-19th century.

Sanitation Restoration

Although a few years apart, the research completed by John Snow (a British epidemic researcher) and Louis Pasteur, proved that untreated waste and contaminated drinking water were the carriers of many illnesses. This caused a change in the laws regarding sanitation. By the end of the 20^th century, sewage filtration and wastewater management systems were being implemented globally.

Current Sanitation Standards

In a continued effort to improve health and sanitation standards, septic systems and wastewater treatment plants can be found worldwide. Both systems work in a similar manner. The waste is transported from the restrooms through a series of piping. Once it has entered the tank, the waste undergoes a series of filtration and decomposition. The harmless wastewater is then released back into nature and the sludge is removed from the tank for further processing. Many locations also have inspection requirements to ensure that ground water is not being contaminated.

Despite the increased access to proper sanitation disposal methods, there are rising concerns regarding chemicals. Many of the chemicals that enter septic systems and wastewater treatment plants, kill bacteria. This slows the decomposition process and creates difficulty removing contaminants through filtration. Considering this, it is best to avoid all chemicals, whenever possible!

Conclusion

The history of septic systems demonstrates humanity’s ability to thrive despite long-lasting setbacks and mistakes. The septic system ideas of 4000 BC are still being improved on and as the population grows, safe sanitation standards are continually being expanded to meet rising concerns.

To learn more about septic systems, septic inspections, or portable restroom rentals, check out our other blogs and our website.

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