Residential Sprinkler Irrigation Systems

In Virginia, residential sprinkler irrigation system are used on property where conventional methods of subsurface wastewater disposal are not practical. The regulations allow highly treated, disinfected wastewater to be applied to the surface of a parcel if the minimum soil characteristics and set back criteria are satisfied. Illustrations of the set backs are shown on the opposite side of this page. In general, there must be at least 12" of suitable soil above rock or seasonal water table restrictions.

In the WHITEWATERŽ system, waste from the household exits through a sewer line into a standard septic tank. The macro solids and sludge produced during the anaerobic digestion of the wastewater settle to the bottom of the tank and the lighter materials float on top. The partially treated effluent flows into the WHITEWATERŽ Aerobic Treatment Plant. Here, up to 97% of the impurities in the original wastewater are removed. The turbulent mixing induced by aeration causes aerobic bacteria to oxidize the raw wastewater to carbon dioxide and water. The effluent receives additional purification by passing through a sand filter module. The final step is disinfection by either chlorine or ultra violet light. The treated disinfected water is then stored in a dosing chamber for distribution to the irrigation area. A timer activates the pump during nighttime hours. The water is applied to the irrigation area via popup sprinklers similar to those used on golf courses but designed for wastewater. The result is similar to heavy dew in the morning. The water is used by plants or trees in the irrigation area. Evaporation, evapotranspiration and infiltration disseminate the remaining water.

Why Use a WhitewaterŽ?

The Virginia regulations also allow two to three recirculating sand filter modules to be used to purify the wastewater. We believe that the combination of an aerobic treatment unit and a single pass sandfilter is a better treatment system. The aerobic unit does the bulk of the work, reducing the heavy organic loads on the sandfilter. In turn, this reduces maintenance costs and extends the life of the media in the sand filter module. There is little cost difference between an ATU single pass sand filter system and a recirculating sand filter system as the additional equipment cost is off set by a savings in labor required to construct the filter modules on site. In addition, limiting the number of sand filter modules makes for a more aesthetically pleasing installation.

Installation Costs

Initial installation costs are high compared to simple in ground septic systems but are only 30% more than most systems installed today. The higher quality effluent produced by the WHITEWATERŽ treatment system protects your drinking water supply and is much safer for the environment compared to conventional septic effluent. Horses and other livestock should be fenced from the actual irrigation area mostly to protect the irrigation equipment. The system functions satisfactorily year round.

Typical installation costs are between $17,000 and $25,000 depending on site conditions and the number of bedrooms in the house. A two-year initial service contract is included with the WHITEWATERŽ system. After that, service plan, chlorine costs and regular sampling run approximately the same as public sewer @ $55 - $75 per month.