What can lead to system failure when incorrect assumptions are made during design?

The infiltration rate and hydraulic conductivity are critical factors in the design and functionality of a soil absorption system. These parameters dictate how well water can move through the soil and how quickly it can be absorbed into the ground, ultimately affecting the system's efficiency in treating wastewater.

If incorrect assumptions about the infiltration rate or hydraulic conductivity are made during the design process, it may result in a system that is either incapable of adequately absorbing wastewater or excessively oversaturated, leading to backup, overflow, or even groundwater contamination. An overestimation of soil absorption capabilities might lead to insufficient drainage, whereas underestimating it could compromise system performance as well, causing system failure.

Other factors, while also important in their own rights, do not directly correlate with the fundamental ability of the absorption system to function as intended in the context of hydraulic performance. Thus, focusing on the infiltration rate and hydraulic conductivity during the design phase is vital to ensuring the long-term success and operational integrity of the system.