A procedure evaluates the soil’s capacity to accept effluent from a wastewater treatment system. This evaluation involves introducing a specific volume of water into the proposed drain field area to measure how readily the ground absorbs the liquid. The results inform decisions on the suitability of a site for effluent disposal and the appropriate size of the drain field.
Properly assessing a site’s absorption capabilities mitigates potential environmental issues and public health concerns associated with inadequately treated wastewater. Historically, inaccurate assessments led to system failures, resulting in surface ponding, groundwater contamination, and potential health hazards. Accurate evaluation provides a foundation for designing sustainable and effective wastewater treatment solutions, ensuring long-term system performance and environmental protection. The process helps to determine an efficient and environment friendly solution that reduces maintenance costs and system lifespan.