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Patterns of Wastewater Infrastructure along a Gradient of Coastal Urbanization: A Study of the Puget Sound Region

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  • Daniele Spirandelli

    (Department of Urban & Regional Planning, University of Hawai`i-Manoa, 2424 Maile Way, Saunders 107, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA)

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to explore patterns of wastewater infrastructures (sewers vs. septic tanks) in urbanizing watersheds across a coastal metropolitan region. This research combines an urban-rural gradient with spatial metrics at the patch and watershed scale (proportion of parcels on a treatment system, septic density, lot size and percent imperviousness) to analyze wastewater patterns in the Puget Sound, WA, USA. Results show that most urban residential parcels are hooked up to a sewer, although there remain urban residences on a septic tank with small lots. I find a complex arrangement of wastewater treatment in suburban watersheds representing a patchwork of parcels on sewers and septic tanks. Sewers dominate in total numbers, while the density of septic tanks is highest in this portion of the urban gradient. Lot size decreases from rural to urban; however, it varies depending on the type of wastewater treatment system. In urban watersheds, lots on septic tanks are significantly smaller than lots in suburban and rural watersheds and of a similar size compared to lots on sewers. I also find a significant difference in the amount of impervious surfaces in watersheds dominated by sewers vs. septic tanks. In the urban portion of the gradient, the amount of paved surfaces in parcels with septic tanks is also similar in level as parcels with sewers. I discuss how these patterns emerge from the interplay of biophysical, socio-economic and technological factors and how different regulatory regimes for septic tanks and sewers may further induce these patterns.

Suggested Citation

  • Daniele Spirandelli, 2015. "Patterns of Wastewater Infrastructure along a Gradient of Coastal Urbanization: A Study of the Puget Sound Region," Land, MDPI, vol. 4(4), pages 1-20, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:4:y:2015:i:4:p:1090-1109:d:59286
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Heimlich, Ralph E. & Anderson, William D., 2001. "Development At The Urban Fringe And Beyond: Impacts On Agriculture And Rural Land," Agricultural Economic Reports 33943, United States Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service.
    2. Marina Alberti, 2005. "The Effects of Urban Patterns on Ecosystem Function," International Regional Science Review, , vol. 28(2), pages 168-192, April.
    3. Newburn, David & Berck, Peter, 2011. "Exurban development," Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, Elsevier, vol. 62(3), pages 323-336.
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    1. Eggimann, Sven & Truffer, Bernhard & Feldmann, Ulrike & Maurer, Max, 2018. "Screening European market potentials for small modular wastewater treatment systems – an inroad to sustainability transitions in urban water management?," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 78(C), pages 711-725.

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