Nags Head, North Carolina (IMAGE) Geological Society of America Caption Houses on Nags Head, North Carolina, have septic systems that are being inundated by rising groundwater levels. This rise leads to the malfunction of septic systems and wastewater treatment. Image credit: M. O’Driscoll. Credit M. O’Driscoll Usage Restrictions Credit must be given to the creator. Only noncommercial uses of the work are permitted. License CC BY-NC Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.