Septic Tank & Sewer Factoids
Sewage has been with us since time immemorial, along
with ways to dispose of it. Civilizations have invented various ways to
deal with it, in order to reduce odors and improve public health. Some
dates below are approximate.
200 BC to 200 AD
-- According to the World Toilet Organization, ancient Romans used
"constructed toilets" when they travelled. Were these the original Porta-Potties? 
50 AD
-- Roman ruins from Ephesus include toilets with running water to flush
away the wastes. The sound from the running water also prevented the
hired help (working under the toilets) from hearing what the big shots
(sitting on the toilets) were discussing.
Some things never seem to change.
1845
-- During a time when people used chamber pots and then dumped the
contents on the street below, the English installed sewers to carry
wastes to the Thames River. You can see three articles about this
aspect of sewer history at http://swopnet.com/engr
1850 -- The modern Paris sewer system was designed. It is still in use. You can take a tour even now, and even purchase souvenirs.
You may want to disinfect those souvenirs when you get home...just sayin'
1857 -- Toilet paper invented and marketed by Joseph Gay-Etty. It was sold as a treatment for hemorrhoids.
1860 -- Thomas Crapper
was a London plumber who improved and helped popularize the flush
toilet. If you ask politely in Westminster Cathedral, they will
show you authentic Thos. Crapper Co. manhole covers still in use.
1916
-- The small town of San Marcos, Texas, USA was (arguably) the very
first community in the US, maybe the world, to begin using the
scientifically-advanced activated-sludge wastewater treatment system
before discharging its sewage to a waterway. This protected a local
scenic river.
1973 --
Clivus Multrum waterless composting toilet marketed. If you are thinking
about buying one, you owe it to yourself (and your family and guests)
to experience one in person first.
2006 -- High efficiency toilets become widely available. They use very little water, yet are effective at flushing away solids and not stopping up.