Many cisterns are unused today because homesites are now served by other water supplies. The cistern may pose environmental and safety hazards in much the same manner as an abandoned well. Although now illegal, wastewater has often been disposed of in a cesspool or dry well. Construction was similar to a shallow dug well lined with bricks or stone. It was often 6 to 10 feet in diameter and 15 to 20 feet deep.
Cesspools are a serious potential source of groundwater contamination and a definite safety hazard.
In the past, Kansas law permitted seepage pits following the septic tank for wastewater disposal. These were holes in the ground filled with stone or other inert material such as broken brick. They were constructed according to state guidelines for size and depth. Construction of seepage pits has been illegal since May 1996, and existing pits must be properly disposed of whenever they are not used or not working. Plugging highly recommended It is strongly recommended that unused cisterns, cesspools, septic tanks, pits, or other holes in the ground be given the same consideration as abandoned wells.