slow-rate method

sanitation engineering

Also known as: irrigation method

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 13, 2026

Quick Summary

The slow-rate method is a type of land treatment used in wastewater treatment. In this process, treated wastewater is applied to the land, typically through irrigation or sprinkler systems. The water and nutrients are absorbed by vegetation, and the remaining purified water percolates through the soil. This method helps to replenish groundwater and can be used to grow crops for animal feed. It requires significant land area and is dependent on soil type and climate.1

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

4 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

wastewater treatment
Land treatment
In the slow-rate, or irrigation, method, effluent is applied onto the land by ridge-and-furrow spreading (in ditches) or by sprinkler systems. Most of the water and nutrients are absorbed by the roots of growing vegetation. In the rapid infiltration method, the wastewater is stored in large ponds…
Read More
In the slow-rate, or irrigation, method, effluent is applied onto the land by ridge-and-furrow spreading (in ditches) or by sprinkler systems. Most of the water and nutrients are absorbed by the roots of growing vegetation. In the rapid infiltration method, the wastewater is stored in large ponds…
Read More