Lanai over or near cesspool?

[MarkP]

If the solids from a cesspool were going to tunnel their way down to the water table, so would all manner of other debris from the surface. Since this debris is not evident when cesspools or other holes are dug, it is a pretty safe bet that cesspool solids are not getting anywhere special beyond a few feet. The issue is hotly debated whether Hawaii's uniquely porous ground mitigates the contamination from cesspools through making everything aerobic or whether it just speeds the wastewater on its way. What is different here from the mainland is that there are almost no impermeable layers. My parents in central New York have a well that is only 85' deep. Here that would never happen. If I wanted a well in Eden Roc it would be 1,700' deep before I could hope for water. The water that starts from the surface today takes years to get down there. Even if the nutrients in the wastewater remain I doubt that any specific pathogens dangerous to people remain viable. No matter. Nobody drills wells in Eden Roc. Down by the water is another story. If you get close enough to the shore those cesspools start to contaminate the ocean. It stands to reason that fresh water wells could be contaminated although that close to the ocean they could also be contaminated with salt water. There may be a sweet spot where the treatment and dissipation from a couple hundred feet of rock is sufficient for health and yet the depth of the well is not excessive.

I should state that this is my opinion. I don't have direct knowledge of water quality test results that would make clear the viability of wells. There are many wells in Hawaii so they must work here one way or another. I just know I ain't paying for any 1,700' deep well. Not when I get, on average, 1/2" or more of rain per day dumped on my head.