<p>Globally, on-site sanitation systems such as soak pits and cesspits are widely used in regions lacking centralized sewer networks, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. While these systems provide low-cost wastewater disposal solutions, numerous studies have reported their association with groundwater contamination, public health concerns, and recurring household expenditures. In Jordan, the reliance on soak pits has increased markedly in rural and peri-urban areas due to limited sewer coverage. This study evaluates the environmental, economic, and health implications of soak pit use across different residential contexts. A structured survey was conducted with 157 respondents representing diverse regions and housing types. Environmental and health impacts were assessed using a five-point Likert scale, complemented by a SWOT analysis to examine perceived system strengths and limitations. An Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was applied to prioritize sanitation-related risks based on expert judgment across residence types. The results indicate that 66.5% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that soak pits contribute to groundwater contamination, while over 70% associated them with increased health risks and economic burdens related to frequent desludging and pumping costs. Environmental criteria ranked highest in the AHP model, particularly groundwater contamination, followed by cost and health-related factors. These findings highlight the need for context-specific sanitation interventions and policy measures to improve wastewater management in arid regions with limited sewer infrastructure.</p>