Expert: Dick Dennis - 12/7/2007

Question
Hi,
We are looking to build a new home here in Mississippi.  We live in a subdivision that is on sewer, but would like to move further away from town and are finding nearly all subdivisions have septic systems.  One has a septic system that is serviced by a community sewer, another has a "private sewer lagoon" the latter seems scary, however the homes in this neighbor are amazing... I find that strange, but maybe I am just overreacting - thinking that the fact that they have a sewer lagoon is a red flag... I would like to know if either is a good situation given that the soil here is mainly clay... Thanks for the help!
Julie

Answer
What you need to do, Julie, is to do some investigation. Do enough detective work to the point that you are satisfied as to what kind of sewer/septic system you would rather have in the area you expect to live. Ask people who know about the area. Ask people whose business is sewers. Ask people whose business is septics. Since I do do not live there, I am not able to help you because I am not familiar with that area. But if I was in your shoes, that is exactly what I would be doing. I would also suggest you do some detective work in the local library or online. I do wish you well.

Dick Dennis