Infiltration and percolation tests are both methods used to determine the seepage or filtration rate of water through soil, but they perform different purposes and are conducted differently. There are two types of infiltration tests:

• • Constant head.
• • Falling head.

The test type will be assigned by project requirements. This test is widely used for drainage design, onsite wastewater disposal, and Land Capability Assessments.

Infiltration Test

Water seeping into the soil from the ground surface is measured by infiltration tests. This data can be used to construct stormwater management systems, measure groundwater recharge rates, and estimate the possibility of soil erosion. It is essential to comprehend how rapidly water is absorbed by the soil.

Percolation Test:

Percolation tests are used to determine whether the soil is suitable for on-site wastewater disposal solutions, like leach fields or septic systems. The test establishes the soil’s water-movement velocity, which is crucial for developing an efficient wastewater treatment system that respects the environment.