Social implications of management of on-site wastewater treatment systems for groundwater protection

[摘要] Executive Summary: This report is a review of scientific literature detailing community attitudes towards on-site wastewater treatment systems and protection of groundwater. The literature is used to inform the Holistic solutions to management of on-site wastewater treatment systems over a karstic aquifer used for drinking water supplies research project. The second objective of this project is: To provide an informed basis to evaluate factors affecting community acceptance of alternative strategies [for on-site wastewater treatment and management systems] that will protect groundwater quality and human health while allowing development over the longer term and to give opportunity for community input and support for on-going measures. Management of on-site wastewater treatment systems is important in preventing pollution into waterways and maintenance of sustainable supplies of groundwater. Communities depending on water supplies from groundwater reservoirs need to be particularly vigilant and proactive in protection of this valuable resource. Local authorities are urging communities to have an understanding and responsibility for water quality. On-site treatment of household wastewater using septic tanks or aerobic treatment systems may be potential sources of groundwater pollution. Difficulties arise when householders are unaware of the features of their wastewater systems, i.e., type, function, limitations and signs of malfunction (failure). Poorly maintained septic systems pose significant threats to groundwater quality. It is important to determine the role of the local authorities and community in defining ‘best practice’ maintenance for preferred wastewater treatment systems.The majority of options being considered for future wastewater treatment in the Mount Gambier region propose increased local government responsibilities and reduced householder responsibilities for management of the system. The role of householder attitudes, beliefs and behaviours about issues such as use, maintenance and monitoring however are likely to continue as significant factors in effective treatment of wastewater. Previous research suggests on-site systems are perceived to be problematic as the systems (i) infer concerns, personal responsibilities, and inconvenience of own/private operation (ii) require maintenance, and repairs (iii) lower the value of the property and affect sub-division potential (iv) are perceived to be more liable to contaminate groundwater and surface water, and (v) incur costs for wastewater servicing. Residents prefer to shift the responsibility for the sewage and drainage systems, along with maintenance expenditures, to others. Residents may understand the need to maintain their systems, but often this does not translate into actual maintenance practice. Holistic approaches to the management of water resources require public participation in decisions. Public involvement in natural resource decision making can be complicated and controversial. The importance of collaborative learning and personal perceptions of risk, trust, sense of fairness and fair process are necessary to understand when engaging communities. Collaborative learning combines stakeholders’ social learnings into a framework of systems-based public involvement.Education programs and dissemination of information are suggested methods to promote collaboration between local water quality professionals and the rural community in managing on-site wastewater treatment systems.

[发布机构] CSIRO

[学科分类] 地球科学(综合)