What is the recommended minimum and maximum depth for residential lagoon sizes?

The recommended minimum and maximum depth for residential lagoon sizes is typically set at 3–5 feet. This depth range is important for several reasons.

Firstly, a lagoon that is too shallow may not adequately accommodate the necessary volume of wastewater, which can lead to insufficient treatment and the risk of overflow during heavy rainfall or high influent flows. Additionally, shallower lagoons are more susceptible to temperature fluctuations, which can affect the biological treatment processes that help to break down contaminants.

On the other hand, if the lagoon is excessively deep, it can hinder oxygen transfer required for aerobic digestion processes and may result in the development of anaerobic conditions at the bottom, potentially generating foul odors and other operational issues.

This balance is crucial for maintaining effective treatment processes, ensuring that the lagoon functions optimally without negatively impacting the surrounding environment. Therefore, the depth range of 3–5 feet is a practical guideline for designing and managing residential lagoons.