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The fate of inorganic pollutants in wastewater applied to the trenches of septic systems and the ability of shallow soils over saprolite to adequately treat wastewater is a concern. A study was conducted to evaluate the distribution patterns of nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N), ammonium-nitrogen (NH4-N), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), potassium (K), and chloride (Cl) in soil and saprolite under a community on-site wastewater disposal system. Soil and saprolite samples were collected at four depths within the drainfield, with the lower two collection depths (1.5 and 2.0 m) in the C (saprolite) horizon. Chemical concentrations of the drainfield soil and saprolite were compared to background concentrations in similar soil and saprolite immediately outside the drainfield and to samples collected in close proximity (0.2 and 0.4 m) to the drainline trench sidewalls. Septic tank effluent was analyzed for the same parameters to determine the potential influx of chemicals into the drainfield. Soil electrical conductivity was related to wastewater movement. Statistically lower (P= 0.05) concentrations of NH4-N, Ca, Na, K, and Cl were found at several depths in the drainfield soil. The leaching (removal), of cations and anion from the drainfield soil horizons was apparently caused by the application of approximately 3,300 L d-1 of wastewater to the drainfield. Site-specific hydraulic gradients for this site were determined during a 12 month long associated study. Downward and lateral hydraulic gradients, relatively low chemical concentrations in the small communitys wastewater, and low cation exchange capacity (CEC) of the soil help support a net leaching of some chemicals from the drainfield soils at this site.