We have a septic government that needs flushing, but I digress.

On separate occasions, I discussed septic tanks and soakaways with two Durban Metro officials.  One said he had lived in a house for 25 years, and didnt even know where his septic tank was. Roley, the second  official said that we  have had septic tanks and soakaways for 100 years, so what was the issue?  And then he asked how am connected with sewage, I mentioned I write the Waste Water Watch. He clammed up like clam.

Septic tanks are not the problem.  I note that in Australia, even homes on waterbourne (municipal) sewerage, have septic tanks in place. It is a brilliant idea, as the sewer works will not get any of the abuse. And no sand, which is a killer. If you abuse, it's for your account. 

The real  problem, is the french drain (aka soakaway, leachfield etc). A hundred years ago, one dwelling had no sight of the next, and therefore wastewater had time to naturally biodegrade.  The same property now has 125 houses on it, each producing up to 1500 litres of wastewater every day. These french drains are often out of the way ( and often on the neigbours boundry). The guy at the lowest point, actually gets paid to live there.

I meant to ask Roley to look outside and see what else has changed in 100 years.