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4.0 Domestic Wastewater Characteristics

The following are general characteristics for domestic wastewater. The regulations covering the sizing of on-lot disposal systems are based on the assumption that the wastewater is similar to domestic wastewater . Therefore, it may be necessary to provide additional pretreatment or enlarge the on-lot disposal system for higher strengthen wastewaters, such as: restaurants, breweries, nursing homes, hospitals, etc.

Table 1

Typical Characteristics of Domestic Wastewater

Parameter

Typical Concentration

Total Coliform

1 billon to ov

Fecal Coliform

100,000 to 1

BOD 5

200 to 290

COD

680 to 730

Total Nitrogen

35 to 100 m

Ammonia

6 to 18 mg

Nitrate + Nitrite

< 1 mg N / L

Total Phosphorous

18 to 29 mg

Ortho Phosphorous

6 to 24 mg P

Total Solids

680 to 1000

Volatile Solids

80 to 500

Suspended Solids

200 to 290

Volatile Suspended Solids

150 to 240

Source: US EPA, Design Manual: Onsite Wastewater
Treatment and Disposal Systems, October 1980.

Table 2

Pollutant Concentration of Major Components
of Residential Wastewater in mg / L

Parameter

Garbage Grinders

Basin/Toilet

Sink/Appliances

Combined Wastewater

BOD5

2380

280

260

360

Suspended S

3500

450

160

400

T. Nitrogen

140

T. Phosphoro

Source: US EPA, Design Manual: Onsite Wastewater
Treatment and Disposal Systems, October 1980.

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