Pits constructed in permeable soil that receive raw wastewater directly are known as what?

Cesspools are specifically designed to receive raw wastewater directly and are typically constructed in permeable soil. This method allows the wastewater to seep out into the surrounding earth, aiding in natural treatment processes through soil filtration and microbial action. While seepage pits can also be used to treat wastewater, they generally handle effluent that has undergone some level of treatment, making cesspools distinct due to their use of untreated waste.

In contrast, infiltration trenches are constructed to manage stormwater runoff and promote drainage rather than handle raw wastewater directly. Wastewater pools generally refer more broadly to areas where treated wastewater is stored, not explicitly designed for raw sewage. Consequently, cesspools accurately define the type of pit that manages raw wastewater directly in permeable soils, establishing their significance within the context of on-site sewage treatment practices.