When should an unlined Evapotranspiration field be used?

An unlined Evapotranspiration field is specifically designed for use in areas where the soil has low permeability, such as clay or caliche. These types of soils do not allow water to seep through easily, which means that the evaporation and transpiration processes can effectively manage the moisture within the field. In such cases, the evaporation of wastewater from the surface and the transpiration from plant roots can effectively reduce the amount of water in the field, preventing any potential groundwater contamination and helping with the proper treatment of sewage.

This approach takes advantage of the natural characteristics of non-permeable soils, ensuring that the treated effluent remains within the designated field, enabling the processes of evaporation and transpiration to occur without risk of contaminating nearby groundwater or surface water sources. Therefore, an unlined evapotranspiration field is particularly suitable in areas with low drainage capabilities, thus making clay or caliche soils appropriate for this technology.