The suitability of soil for the subsurface disposal of sewage and other wastewater can be determined by a study of soil characteristics and the?

The determination of soil suitability for the subsurface disposal of sewage and other wastewater is heavily reliant on the results of a soil percolation test. This test evaluates how well the soil absorbs water, which is critical for ensuring that wastewater is effectively treated in the ground rather than pooling or contaminating surface waters.

The percolation test measures the rate at which water is absorbed into the soil, providing valuable data about the soil's permeability and drainage capacity. Different soil types have varying rates of infiltration, and understanding these characteristics is essential for designing a septic system that will function properly. If the soil does not allow for adequate percolation, it can lead to system failures and environmental contamination.

While options like soil surveys, rates of sewage flow, and rainfall amounts can provide additional context regarding the land's hydrology and potential water load, they do not directly assess the soil's capacity to treat and disperse effluent as effectively as a percolation test does. Hence, a percolation test is a critical component of site assessments for subsurface sewage disposal systems.