Sanitation and Wastewater

Septic (i.e., onsite wastewater) systems and community wastewater systems play important roles in sanitation and disease prevention by removing harmful viruses, bacteria, and parasites. These systems can be damaged during an emergency such as a flood, hurricane, or earthquake. This damage can lead to contamination of the environment and drinking water supply and result in an increased risk for disease. For information on general emergency preparedness and response topics, please visit CDC’s Emergency Preparedness and Response site.