Aquifer Recharge of Treated Wastewater through Wicks Challenges and Successes of an Innovative Technology

Since November 2004, an innovative technology has been in use for the discharge of highly treated effluent to groundwater. The treatment technology, referred to as a wick by the authors, is capable of discharging WWTF effluent into a significantly smaller footprint than conventional methods such as leaching trenches or open infiltration beds.With very few exceptions, the WWTF has been operating within the Massachusetts Groundwater Discharge Permit Application requirements for discharge quality. During this period the wick has performed well. However, as expected with any new technology, there have been challenges. Much has been learned through meeting the challenges, resulting in changes to WWTF infrastructure, operations, and monitoring, as well as to wick operations and maintenance. Most changes have been made with the goal of limiting the total solids discharged to the wicks to very low concentrations, which is critical to maintaining wick performance.