A buried sand filter needs to be designed for a minimum of how many gallons per day?

The minimum design flow for a buried sand filter system in Illinois is set at 100 gallons per day. This standard is established to ensure that the system adequately handles the average wastewater flow from residential properties. Designing a sand filter for at least this amount ensures that the system can effectively treat and manage the wastewater generated, thereby preventing potential overloads that can lead to system failure or pollution issues.

In context, systems designed for lower flow rates may not perform adequately under typical usage scenarios, as they might not account for the variability in water usage that can occur daily. The 100 gallons per day benchmark considers not only average flows but also peaks that could occur, protecting the efficacy of the treatment process and safeguarding public health and the environment. Understanding these standards is crucial for any private sewage contractor to ensure compliance with regulations and proper system function.