A Sediment Capture Case Study

Case Study Overview: Water Decontaminator Sediment Trapping Unit

A study conducted by the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California evaluated a residential stormwater sediment trapping device designed to protect the Lake Tahoe Basin, where stormwater runoff is a major contributor to declining lake clarity. The device uses a removable strainer to capture sediment before runoff enters the area.

Laboratory testing under simulated 20-year storm conditions showed the device removed an average of 88.6% of total suspended solids, reducing treated water to a median concentration of 72 mg/L. Removal efficiency remained consistent across multiple tests, ranging from 57% to 92% depending on influent conditions. Analysis also showed the device effectively captured coarse sediment and debris, materials known to cause blinding and premature failure of infiltration systems, while removing a portion of finer particles as well.

Based on these results, the study concluded that the sediment trapping device is suitable for residential stormwater pretreatment and can help improve the performance, longevity, and sustainability of infiltration-based stormwater management systems in the Lake Tahoe region.

Three scientific or technical documents with maps, charts, and text, related to watershed or water quality management in Lake Tahoe region.
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Why Choose

The Water

Decontaminator

The Water Decontaminator is backed by independent laboratory research, clearly demonstrating its proven ability to effectively reduce trash and suspended solids in residential stormwater before it enters infiltration systems.

By effectively removing most coarse sediment and debris upstream, the device significantly safeguards downstream infrastructure, reducing the high costs of installation and maintenance. Its design ensures easy upkeep, requiring only periodic filter maintenance and cleaning without specialized equipment. These advantages position the device as a highly practical and reliable pretreatment solution for residential stormwater systems.

  • "Costs of the sediment trapping device are minimal. The cost of the sediment trapping device is expected to negate costs associated with prematurely rehabilitating the on-site infiltration system, making it a cost-effective practice."

    Removal of sediment from residential stormwater to improve water quality in Lake Tahoe - Stacy Costello, Ravi Jain, Mary Kay Camarillo

  • "A sediment trap was found to be an effective means for reducing sediment in a simulated stormwater. Field studies have also demonstrated the effectiveness of this approach."

    Removal of sediment from residential stormwater to improve water quality in Lake Tahoe - Stacy Costello, Ravi Jain, Mary Kay Camarillo

  • "The sediment trapping device effectively reduced solids in the simulated stormwater; during the tests influent TSS concentration was 172-836 mg/L TSS and the sediment was reduced such that the effluent TSS concentration 44-107 mg/L TSS (Figure 9). The observed TSS removal was 57-92 percent."

    Removal of sediment from residential stormwater to improve water quality in Lake Tahoe - Stacy Costello, Ravi Jain, Mary Kay Camarillo

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