Project Number:
DNR-056
Other Project Number:
WR86R009
Funding Year:
1986
Contract Period:
Funding Source:
DNR
Investigator(s) and affiliations:
John Schwalbe, University of Wisconsin–Madison
Abstract:
Introduction: Municipal Rapid Infiltration Land disposal systems (RI systems) have been used for over 100 years for the disposal of treated municipal sewage. Rapid Infiltration systems are also called seepage cells or absorption ponds. RI systems were developed as a cost effective method to dispose of a variety of wastewaters. The EPA design manual on RI systems describes the RI process as an application of treated wastewater to highly permeable soils followed by rapid percolation of the wastewater vertically or laterally away from the point of application. [10]
The EPA manual reports the following uses for the treated water:
- Groundwater recharge.
- Recovery of renovated water by wells or underdrains with subsequent reuse or discharge.
- Recharge of surface streams by interception of the groundwater.
- Temporary storage of renovated water in the aquifer.