Infiltration Systems

Description
Infiltration systems provide treatment by allowing stormwater runoff to infiltrate into surrounding soils. Pollutants are filtered out as the runoff percolates through the soils. These systems are assumed to be 100% effective for the design volume because no water is discharged into receiving waters. As a result, all of the common constituents found in stormwater (total suspended solids [TSS], total nitrogen and phosphorus, pesticides, total and dissolved metals, microbiological constituents, litter, biochemical oxygen demand [BOD], and total dissolved solids [TDS]) can be removed.

Experience
Caltrans Infiltration Basin Model
This study was implemented to determine the long-term effects of infiltration on soils and groundwater. This study mathematically modeled infiltration basins that received runoff from highways. A range of variables (low/high permeability soils, low/high organic matter, etc.) was used to determine if any infiltration basins were likely to leach pollutants to groundwater in the future.

OWP Tasks
  • Assisted in Study Planning
  • Provided Study Review
  • Reviewed Reports
OWP Contacts: Scott Meyer