How much can the size of a subsurface system be reduced if it meets the effluent requirements?

The size of a subsurface system can be significantly reduced when it meets specific effluent requirements due to improvements in the treatment process that enhance the quality of the effluent. When a system complies with these high standards, it means that the effluent is cleaner and has less potential for contaminating the soil or groundwater, thus requiring less space for dispersal. The reduction of one-third is a practical and common reduction factor, allowing for efficient land use while still protecting public health and the environment. This adjustment is grounded in the understanding that with improved treatment processes, the hydraulic loading rate can be increased without compromising system performance, allowing for a more compact design that is still fully functional and compliant with regulatory standards.