What Is a Cesspool?

A cesspit, is a term with various meanings: it is used to describe either an underground holding tank or a soak pit. It can be used for the temporary collection and storage of feces, excreta or fecal sludge as part of an on-site sanitation system and has some similarities with septic tanks or with soak pits.

Is a cesspool bad?

First of all, cesspools do not do a good job of treating wastewater. For one, the waste goes too far down into the ground, which is bad for two reasons. ... Secondly, because the waste goes deeper into the ground, it is much more likely to get into the groundwater before being treated by bacteria.

Is a cesspool the same as a septic tank?

A septic tank allows wastewater to flow into a leach field where it undergoes a filtration process. In contrast, a cesspool is a pit lined with cement or stone which lacks the ability to filter the waste, eventually contaminating the surrounding soil.