Hazards due to migration of septic tank leakages in peri-urban settlements

Whilst it is widely accepted that a healthy environment is essential for human survival and sustainable development, two thirds of people living in developing countries still do not have adequate sanitation facilities. A field study carried out at three selected sites within the three southern districts of Karnataka has been undertaken to assess the contamination status of domestic well waters. The two-year study revealed that water quality of the domestic wells is deteriorating fast as partly indicated by very high nitrate levels. Thirteen wells out of 19 were found to be severely contaminated, five wells are marginally contaminated with only one well being considered fit for use. In some cases the nitrate level of the well waters has reached 495 mg l-1 during summer months, which is far in excess of WHO stipulations. Based on the two years of field data, certain measures are suggested for safe domestic waste disposal in the study areas in order to achieve a congenial groundwater environment and to provide long term protection for the health status of the local population