Evaluation of Decentralized, Closely-Spaced Precipitation Water and Treated Wastewater Infiltration

Abstract

Decentralized water management requires innovative technical solutions due to restricted operational and economic resources. In this study, a combined, decentralized infiltration system in the form of closely-spaced sub-systems for precipitation water and treated wastewater has been numerically analyzed. Flow and transport simulation shows that a closely-spaced system, by arranging the infiltration pipes closely in a longitudinal manner, is feasible under the consideration of German national guidelines for both infiltration methods. Precipitation events up to a recurrence interval of five years can be infiltrated alongside with treated wastewater of a one-family house without significant reduction of the wastewaters’ residence time. Scenario analyses highlight that harmless wastewater infiltration remains mainly undisturbed for a broad bandwidth of hydrological, subsurface, and technical conditions.