Onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS) can act as sources of nutrients, organic matter, and bacterial and viral pathogens in water bodies when not designed, installed, and maintained properly. This form of water pollution is referred to as nutrient pollution—the contamination of a water body by excessive inputs of nutrients. Nutrient pollution is a primary cause of eutrophication and excessive algal growth of surface waters. This process depletes oxygen in the water and severely impairs ecosystem health. Enhanced treatment systems enable some wastewater facilities to produce discharges that contain less nitrogen than systems  using conventional treatment methods. Additionally, using water more efficiently reduces the volume of water required to be treated. Homeowners with OWTS must realize they are utility operators and that routine maintenance is vital for effective long-term operation, which is the justification for service contracts on enhanced systems.  Alternative disposal designs based on decreased flows reduce disturbance areas that will decrease water quality impacts.