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Design of onsite wastewater treatment systems primarily focuses on the placement and size of the infiltration surface in the soil. Emphasis in design is on the hydraulic capacity of this surface. Where soils are less permeable, alternative designs have been employed in an effort to maximize the hydraulic capacity of the system. Many alternative designs have been developed and promoted to enhance wastewater infiltration. Unfortunately, hydraulic and treatment failures still occur in unacceptably high numbers. Rehabilitation of failing systems also is often less than satisfactory. This suggests that inappropriate application of traditional and alternative designs is occurring because of insufficient attention to other factors that can impact system performance. This paper presents a rational strategy for system design and diagnosing system failures.