What does an Evapotranspiration Drainfield do?

An Evapotranspiration Drainfield primarily operates by facilitating the process in which both evaporation and transpiration contribute to the disposal of wastewater. This system is designed to manage effluent in a way that reduces groundwater contamination and takes advantage of the natural processes in plants and soil.

In this system, wastewater is applied to a surface area that allows for absorption by the soil as well as uptake by vegetation. As water evaporates from the surface and transpires from plant leaves, it effectively removes moisture from the system, thereby alleviating the need for traditional drainage into the soil or groundwater.

Understanding this process highlights the effectiveness of an Evapotranspiration Drainfield in mitigating environmental impacts by ensuring that wastewater is not merely infiltrated into the ground but is instead transformed and released into the atmosphere, promoting water cycling and contributing to plant growth.