By applying sewage treatment products such as sludge and effluents, the supply of irrigation water can be increased while reducing the need for chemical fertilizers. Thus, more fresh water can be diverted for domestic use.
Information dealing with sub-surface drip irrigation systems is limited.
Therefore, the effect of hydraulic loading to the sub-surface soil system with municipal wastewater is the focus of this research study project. Of particular concern are the fate, transformation and transport of the constituents of wastewaters and sludges. Equally important are the retention and die-off of bacteria, and indicator organisms associated with sanitary wastewaters. Wastewater collected from the Spicewood Wastewater Treatment Facility will be used to irrigate these beds at various loading rates, and samples will be collected for testing. Water clarity will be determined by monitoring the die-off of indicator organisms, including fecal coliform, and fecal streptococci.