Infiltration wells

Infiltration wells, also known as sump pits, provide an effective solution for both the quantitative and qualitative management of water infiltrating the soil.

 

These wells are round or square excavations, either filled with gravel or hollow and lined with brick walls, perforated concrete, or polyethylene rings, and surrounded by a draining granular backfill.

 

The primary benefit of infiltration wells is their ability to temporarily store rainwater from small, impermeable catchment areas. The water gradually infiltrates through the structure's perforations and drainage material.

 

Runoff is retained before being directed into an underground chamber filled with coarse aggregates, enhancing the soil's natural water absorption capacity through the well's large surface area in contact with the surrounding soil.

 

Infiltration wells are easy to construct and maintain, and they can be grouped and linked to manage runoff from larger areas, such as freeways.

 

The volume of water managed by an infiltration well over time depends largely on the infiltration capacity and permeability of the surrounding soil. In residential, urban, and suburban areas, as well as along roadsides and construction sites, runoff water is often polluted by oil leaks, which can harm the environment.

 

Therefore, runoff water must be treated immediately at the infiltration point, preventing contaminants from entering the natural ground.