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Rising Seas Threaten Georgia's Coastal Septic Systems

December 18, 2019 | Georgia Public Broadcasting
By
Emily Jones and Rickey Bevington
Rising water levels encroach on the soil that's essential for filtering water from septic tanks before it reaches the groundwater. Image courtesy of UGA Carl Vinson Institute.

Rising water levels encroach on the soil that's essential for filtering water from septic tanks before it reaches the groundwater. Image courtesy of UGA Carl Vinson Institute.

A properly functioning septic system has plenty of soil between the tank and the groundwater to ensure filtration. Image courtesy of UGA Carl Vinson Institute.

A properly functioning septic system has plenty of soil between the tank and the groundwater to ensure filtration. Image courtesy of UGA Carl Vinson Institute.

By the end of the century, sea levels off the Georgia coast are expected to rise anywhere from one to eight feet. Climate change is also predicted to pose other threats to Georgia communities including more violent hurricanes and heavier rainfall. A lesser-known potential problem affects septic systems.

GPB and the Savannah Morning News are investigating that issue thanks to a grant from the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting. GPB’s Emily Jones is spearheading the project and spoke with Rickey Bevington about it.

Emily’s project with Mary Landers of the Savannah Morning News is part of the Pulitzer Center's nationwide Connected Coastlines reporting initiative.