Owners of single-family homes and design professionals often face the challenge of high groundwater levels on a site. In such cases, selecting the right wastewater treatment system is particularly important – not only to ensure reliable installation, but also to make sure the unit housing can withstand groundwater pressure and that wastewater is treated efficiently.
UAB “Traidenis” offers biological wastewater treatment solutions designed for complex geological conditions. “When groundwater levels are high, the main challenges are buoyancy forces and unstable soil. That is why the design of the unit and the installation process become critically important,” says Gintaras Vinikaitis, Technical Director of UAB “Traidenis”.
High Groundwater: Installation and Operational Challenges
When groundwater is close to the surface, often at a depth of 0.5–1.0 m, the installation of biological wastewater treatment systems or septic tanks becomes more complicated. The installation pit can quickly fill with water, while unstable soil may cause slope movement and make installation work more difficult. In addition, there is a risk that an improperly installed unit may be forced upward by the pressure acting on it. In such locations, there is often a lack of sufficiently absorbent soil, which makes infiltration solutions, such as infiltration fields or wells, ineffective.
From an environmental perspective, the watertightness of the system is extremely important. If a wastewater treatment unit is not completely sealed, pollutants can easily enter the groundwater and contaminate the surrounding environment. In such cases, it is essential to choose certified, reliable treatment systems specifically designed for these conditions.
Technical Solutions for High Groundwater Conditions
“A conical housing helps reduce the risk of buoyancy and ensures more stable positioning of the unit in the ground. This is one of the most important solutions when installing treatment systems in areas where groundwater levels are high,” explains Agnė Šleiniūtė, the company’s technologist.
One of the key factors in such situations is the proper design of the unit and its professional installation.
The NV-type biological wastewater treatment systems offered by UAB “Traidenis” are manufactured with a conical fiberglass housing. This design helps stabilize the unit in the ground and reduces the risk of uplift in areas with high groundwater levels. The conical shape allows for a more even distribution of soil and water pressure and improves the stability of the unit during installation.
Thanks to this design, in many cases the systems can be installed without additional concrete base anchoring. This is one of the key advantages compared with many conventional alternatives. It helps reduce the amount of installation work and shortens the installation time. If necessary, the units can be additionally secured using stainless steel cables or special fastening straps.
Biological Wastewater Treatment: Removal of up to 95–98% of Organic Pollutants
Biological treatment technology makes it possible to effectively remove organic pollutants from domestic wastewater. NV-type units by UAB “Traidenis” can remove up to 95–98% of organic pollutants.
“The stability of the biological treatment process is ensured by the aeration system and the biomedia, where microorganisms develop and break down organic pollutants. As a result, the system can operate reliably even under fluctuating loads,” explains Agnė Šleiniūtė, the company’s technologist.
In addition, due to the larger volume of the secondary clarifier, NV-type treatment units can accumulate a greater amount of excess sludge.
Treated water may be discharged into the environment if this complies with the applicable legal requirements and local hydrogeological conditions. If infiltration is insufficient, the water may be directed to surface water bodies.
Advantages of “Traidenis” Equipment in Challenging Conditions
“Fiberglass composite materials are highly resistant to corrosion and the effects of groundwater, making them particularly suitable for underground wastewater systems,” notes Gintaras Vinikaitis, Technical Director of UAB “Traidenis”.
UAB “Traidenis” equipment stands out for its durability, resistance, and ease of maintenance. Fiberglass composite materials offer high resistance to soil and water pressure, while the unit housing is lightweight yet extremely strong. The units can be installed within a single day, and their operation does not require complex maintenance. It is recommended to avoid aggressive chemicals, not to dispose of non-biodegradable waste into the system, and to remove excess sludge periodically. The system contains no unnecessary complex components, and electricity consumption is minimal. The integrated biomedia ensures a stable biological process, so there is no need to add microorganisms to the unit.
A high groundwater level does not necessarily mean that an efficient wastewater treatment system cannot be installed on a site. Properly selected equipment and professional installation make it possible to ensure reliable wastewater treatment even in the most challenging geological conditions.
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