Failing septic systems produce disease outbreaks, algae blooms, and ecosystem damage. More research and funding is needed to help understand the severity. The Society of Environmental Journalists awarded this series with first place for “Outstanding Explanatory Reporting 2016”
America’s Spreading Septic Threat
Failing septic systems produce disease outbreaks, algae blooms, and ecosystem damage.
Ecosystems Are Dying as Long Island Contends With a Nitrogen Bomb
Septic systems and nitrogen pollution are killing the island’s marine heritage
Septic System Pollution Contributes to Disease Outbreaks
More research and funding is needed to help understand the severity
Hookworm Infections and Sanitation Failures Plague Rural Alabama
New civil rights movement emerges around septic system pollution
America’s Septic System Failures Can Be Fixed
Solutions require new thinking about wastewater treatment
Infographics
Infographic: Nitrogen Pollution Is Killing Long Island Ecosystems
Seagrass, shellfish, wetlands, and fish are dying in the Peconic Estuary and other Long Island bays.