8.7 Adequacy in the Emergency Context

While wastewater infiltration may be considered a temporary measure in dire emergencies, it is not the preferred solution due to its potential health, environmental, and legal risks. Discussed aspects such as soil requirements are essential to ensure safe infiltration.

Assuring a consistent wastewater treatment to a level that makes it safe for infiltration is often challenging in an emergency setting. Consequently, the infiltrated water may still contain harmful pathogens and contaminants. This could result in the contamination of groundwater and lead to the spread of waterborne diseases.

Nonetheless, various infiltration systems are generally quick and easy to build, assuming the soil and location are suitable. Due to potential over-saturation of the soil, infiltration systems are inappropriate for dense urban areas, areas prone to flooding, or areas with high groundwater tables.

Depending on the infiltration system, there may be an increased suitability for the acute, stabilisation or recovery phase. Soak pits may be selected for the acute response, but once it is possible to provide better treatment to the wastewater, soak pits are recommended to be upgraded or replaced.

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