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Aerobic System with Drip Irrigation

Aerobic septic system with drip irrigation

A subsurface drip system distributes wastewater to the lawn through a system of tubing installed below the ground surface. It generally consists of four main components:

  • treatment device
  • pump tank
  • filtering device
  • drip distribution system

Several treatment devices are available, including an aerobic unit, sand filter, trickling filter, or constructed wetland. The choice of treatment device depends on the type of drip tubing being used and the manufacturer’s recommendations. The minimum treatment required is a septic tank to settle the solids.

Most drip systems require additional treatment of the wastewater before it enters the filtering system. The pump tank stores the water until the drip field is ready for a dose of water. A high head pump delivers the water from the pump tank through the filtering device to the drip distribution system. The filtering device can be sand, disk, or screen filter. Its main purpose is to remove larger particles from the wastewater so they do not cause problems with the emitters. Depending on the wastewater quality, the filter may need to be an automatic cleaning system.

The drip distribution system is made of drip tubing approved by the manufacturer for use with wastewater. The tubing is generally ½ inch in diameter with an emitter in the tubing wall. The pressure inside the tubing is generally operated at 15 to 20 pounds per square inch (PSI), with the water exiting the emitter at 0 PSI. The collection manifold for the drip system needs to be connected back to the treatment device for flushing solids collecting inside the drip tubing back to the treatment device.

Advantages of drip irrigation

  • The drip distribution system can be used at most sites.
  • It can be placed in clay soils, shallow soil, and sites with moderately saturated conditions.
  • It requires one foot of unsaturated soil below the drip tubing, and less surface area than a spray distribution system.
  • The drip system distributes the water uniformly in the lawn for re-use by plants in the landscape.
  • Pressure-compensating emitters can be used on fairly steep slopes.

Disadvantages of drip irrigation

  • The drip system requires at least one foot of unsaturated soil below the drip tubing, which is generally installed at 6 to 8 inches below the surface.
  • The drip system has very small emitters that can become clogged with organic matter and solids if the system is improperly maintained.
  • Drip distribution systems require an ongoing maintenance contract to operate and maintain the drip field.

Keeping a drip system working

  • Follow maintenance guidelines for aerobic system with spray irrigation.
  • Pump the treatment system at least every 2 to 3 years to prevent solids from being dosed into drip tubing.
  • Check the filtering system periodically.
Lowering septic tank into hole Wires and pipes connected to home

Reference: Lesikar, Bruce. Agricultural Communications, The Texas A&M University System. Subsurface drip distribution. Publication L-5237. 6 Sept. 1999.

 

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