A 30 year old home was experiencing its third failing septic system. The third system had only lasted two years. The lot was small, the available yard was tight, and the soils were severely compacted. Clear Water Solutions engineered a septic solution using a Zoeller recirculating gravel filter and Geoflow subsurface drip irrigation system. This new “alternative” system was installed over the previous three systems. The local health department permitted the system because there was nothing to lose! They system has functioned as designed. Quarterly monitoring reveals 5.2 mg/L BOD and 4.0 mg/TSS.

Chapel Hill Christian Church was expanding its sanctuary to accommodate an increase in attendance. Therefore, it had to expand its septic system. Its old septic system was too small and not designed to handle a kitchen facility. Initially, the new system was designed to be an elevated sand mound. However, after the versatility of a recirculating gravel filter and subsurface drip irrigation system was demonstrated to the owners, they chose to redesign the system. By doing so, they also enjoyed a substantial cost savings! The system is functioning flawlessly today.

In January 2004, we were approached by a local contractor to fix a system that was deemed a “walk-away”. The soil scientist, after 20 or so borings on a third acre lot with well water, said there was no suitable soil. There had been several failed systems on this lot. The chamber system that was installed in 2003 failed immediately. Effluent surfaced and ponded over virtually the entire backyard. Neighbors were upset. The media was notified. The local health department investigated and knew that solving this problem was a long shot. We were contacted and were able to design a system that was permitted by the state and local health departments. We utilized a Zoeller recirculating gravel filter and a micro-mound using Geoflow drip irrigation tubing. The system is functioning perfectly and the homeowners are excited to have a backyard that they can use again.

We were approached by a local engineer who needed assistance in designing a lift station and short force main that could be installed in a 100 year old building in downtown Indianapolis. The flows varied because the storm sewer (roof drains) was tied into the sanitary sewer system with no real way to separate the sanitary sewer from the storm sewer. We designed a lift station that could accommodate both the sanitary sewer and storm sewer conditions. We provided a 42” x 60” prepackaged lift station with a fiberglass basin that was modular to fit through a 36” door and down the stairs to be installed in the basement. We worked closely with the contractor to meet his schedule. The system worked well throughout a very wet 2004.