Hawaii has more cesspools than any other state in the country. Cesspools are “drywells” or underground holes that receive sanitary wastewater from building bathrooms and usually from the kitchens, clothes washers and/or dishwashers. A cesspool has an open bottom and/or perforated sides and the wastewater leaves the home and goes through a pipe into the underground chamber. While cesspools are designed to capture sanitary waste, they do not treat waste. The wastewater flows into the chamber; the wastes seep into the ground, but sometimes the solids remain inside the underground chamber.
New cesspools are severely restricted in Hawai`i and are prohibited in designated critical wastewater disposal areas on all islands. Cesspool owners should consult with the DOH Wastewater Branch and the county wastewater program to learn of alternative wastewater treatment options. Large-capacity cesspools—those designed to serve 20 or more people per day—have been banned.
If your cesspool needs repair you may be required to switch to a septic tank. According to a cesspool expert however, maintenance of cesspools are more cost effective than septic tanks because they do not require continual pumping. Not to mention, your water bill will not reflect sewer fees which have been increasing over the years. If you have any real estate questions please contact us: (808) 739-4174 | www.choicehomeshawaii.com. You can also visit the Hawaii State Department of Health website.
