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Knowledge is such a treasure which cannot be stolen
IS 2470-2 (1985): Code of practice for installation of
septic tanks, Part II: Secondary treatment and disposal of
septic tank effluent [CED 24: Public Health Engineering.]
I S : 2470 ( Par t 2) l 1985
I ndian Standard
CODE OF PRACTI CE FOR
I NSTALLATI ON OF SEPTI C TANKS
PART 2 SECONDARY TREATMENT AND DI SPOSAL
OF SEPTI C TANK EFFLUENT
( Second Revision )
First Reprint APRIL 1990
UDC 628352 : 00676
0 Copyrtght 1985
BUREAU OF
INDIAN STANDARDS
MANAK BHAVAN, 9 BAHADUR SHAH ZAFAR MARG
NEW DELHI 110002
Gr 6
December 1985


( Reaffirmed 2001 )
IS : 2470 ( Part 2 ) - 1985
I ndian Standard
CODE OF PRACTI CE FOR
I NSTALLATI ON OF SEPTI C TANKS
PART 2 SECONDARY TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL
OF SEPTI C TANK EFFLUENT
( Second Revision 1
Water Supply and Sabitation Sectional Committee, BDC 24
czhaimlan
RQWS~ntitlg
SHRI J . D Cavz Wate; ~p~p~;h,ik Sewage Disposal Undertaking,
e
Members
CHIEF ENoINEEB ( CIVIL I ) ( .#temats to
Shri J . D Cruz )
\
A~VISIER ( PHE )
Ministry of Works and Housing
DEPVTY ADVISEB ( PHE ) ( Alfcrnut~)_
Soar M. S. ASNAN~
Pub]; Delhi Administration,
e
po:lsh,Department,
SHRI P. C. SIWASTAVA ( Altern& )
Sang N. S. BHAI~AVAN
Public Health Engineering Department, Govern-
ment of Kerala, Trivandrum
SVP~RINTEI&NO ENQINEEB ( Al:rra&_)
SHRX I. CHANDBA Pubk;anp;ks Department ( 2blic Health
Government
Chandigarh
Haryana,
SHRK K. IL. GANDHL ( ALrra&)
CHIEEB ENCINEE~ ( CONST~VCTION ) Uttar Pradesh J ai Nigam, Lucknow
SV~~~NTENDIN~ ENQINEEB ( Altrraatc )
SH~I R. C. P. CEAVDHARY
SHRI H. V. RAO ( Altcrnatr )
Engineers India Ltd, New Delhi
SHBI S. K. DAS~V~TA Calc~,;uf;tropolitan Development Authority,
Snar S. R. MVKEEBJ EE (Al&n&)
PROF J . M. DAVE
Saar S. G. D~OLALIKAR
Institution of Engineers ( India), Calcutta
In personal capacity (Flat No. 403, So&i Cinema
Cemm&el Con&x, &a& Kaikzsh II, New
Delhi )
( Cmrinued .n pope 2 )
BUREAU OF INDIAN STANDARDS
This publication is protected under the fadian Gm& Act ( XIV of 1957 ) and
reproduction in whole or in part by any means except with written permission of the
publisher ehall be deemed to be an infringement of copyright under the said Act.

IS : 2470 (Part 2 ) - 1985
( Gntinuedfromp4gc 1)
Members
HYDBAULI~ ENQINEEB
Repcmting
Municipal Corporation of Greater Bombay,
Bombay
CHIEF ENQINEEB ( SEWEBAQE
PBOJECTS ) ( z&mate )
SEBI R. A. KH~A Public Health Engineering Department,
Government of Madhya Pradesh, Bhopal
SHBI D. K. MITBA ( Alfcmete I )
SERI I. S. BAJA ( Alfcrnate II )
9~~1 P. K~~ISHANAX Central Public Works Department, New Delhi
SWVEYOlX OF WOBKS-l( ND2 )
( Alternate )
SIZBI S. R. KSHIRSAQ~B
National Environmental Engineering Research
DE P.V.R.C. PAXICKEB ( Alfevate )
Institute ( CSIR ), Nagpur
SEBI M. Y. MADAN
The Hindustan Construction Co Ltd, Bombay
SR~I C. E. S. RAN (Alternate )
SHaI S. L. MAIN
Punjab Public Works Department ( Public Health
Branch ), Government of Punjab, Patiala
MANAQIXQ DIRECTOR Punjab Water Supply & Sewerage Board,
Chandigarh
Sas~ R. NATARAJAN Hindustan Dorr-Oliver Ltd, Bombay
SH~I SUB~ASH VEBJ~A ( Alternate )
&tar K. J. NATE
All India Institute of Hygiene h Public Health,
Calcutta
SHBI D. GUIN ( Alfernafe )
Sasr A. PONNAMBALAM
TamMaf$ Water Supply & Drainage Board,
SHEI RANJIT SINQH Ministry of Railways
DB A. V. R. RAO National Buildinga Organization, New Delhi
SHBI 0. P. RATRA ( Alternate )
PBOF Y. N. RA~~ACHANDIXA Rno Engineer-in-Chiefs Branch (Ministry of Defence ),
New Delhi
MAJ B. S. PABYAB ( Alternate )
SEcrt33~AaF
Indian Water Works Association, Bombay
SECBET~BY GENERAL
Institution of Public Health Engineers India,
Calcutta
SHBI R. N. BAXERJEE ( Altcrnatr)
SRBI L. R. SEEQAL
L. R. Sehgal St Co, New Delhi
SEBI S. K. SEABMA
Central Building Research Institute ( CSIR ),
Sanr B. N. THYAQABAJA
Roorkee -
Bangalore Water Supply & Sewerage Board,
Bangalore
SHRI H. S. PUTTAKEBII=A~NA (Altemafs)
SBBI V. VABADAIUJAH
Madraa Metropolitan Water Supply & Sewerage
Board, Madrar
SEXI S. D~IVAIKAXU ( Alternute )
&RI G. RAMAN,
Director General, IS1 ( Ex-o&i0 Member )
Director ( Civ Engg )
Secre tav
SEBI A. K. AVASTHY
As&ant Director ( CivEngg ), IS1
(C&itweden~~ 21)
2

ma4i8(?kt2pla85
him Stantthtd
Cpl?!l q pK#JcgcBFoR
INSTALLATION OF SEPTIC TANKS
( Second RevisionJ
& FOREWORD
6A This bdian kmderd ~Part 2) (Second Revision) was Gdopted b
J the hdian Staidar& titutiom on 28 Febru*ry 1985, efler the dr t
ik&ad by the W- SUPPIY ~d ~t8&~8ti&.iom&Coutmittee had
h *ggmuve&&y the CM Ib@newq
G
. .
&2xn&
z
c tank, eyen if of 4hqtu@ ~ and iqmcity, ~y a
partiol! of
auepeoAd eolide eettk k the tank, tlte disidved o~c
naattlw.88dSemw,of theWspddedInq - dA4utwJ boIn the taxlk
im the eifbeai =md will cawse,a :&eak&:bu@ iftk:diiuent ia,sat
deqm@e@~du. , :,-, >,., ,;.. ~ <-. , .,
&3mletitle of theoodewhichwee
,. ...,:.
%u@u&c& f+ &ii
andcometructi moftqticmtk iauteilatllwg elm kt :2
Large imdidmi
~fww~m$~w add* ~d ~~e &f ~~=
fw
~i~~~
~aziddiepd
. .
:
. /
,.,
e04 1mB9&ikw@werobm#h&i&rpkctiu f- the diapod of
Ldwxdwxm, fmm eeptic taab only. m detign * conetruct@t of mu w
g@#dJfd ~&
* ic taqkB.(~tt3Wiamns) have been covered in
1 ~~ W- ibrmetalktkn of qtic?ank Part 1
. .
v
.
es 13iepedof.efl?wat fwldptim+ WWqginalty given in m iam
( Past 1 )4968 -@Ode of practip
F
ikign d ~ctidn ef 86jnic
a Part 1 StnaIi iswtdmioma; fird n+ricw )>. In tllie revisiow *
diepmal ,of eeptic tank efihmatby b>logtcal Slier have been coverwI h
details. IJpflow amrobic dk~ fir the dispoeakof efiluent from the
-m+ tank, which ~- pre&ged in My 8reU, - slso, covered in
.
3

gh ag70 chet ~wm
U For the purpose of deaiding whether a particular reqa of
this atandard ir complied with, the &nal value, observed or calculated,
expmkng the ,msult of a test, shall be roundkd off in accordance. witb
IS : 2-lSo*. The msrnber of signi6aaq plqae~ retaked in the rouadecl
off value shouk! be the same aa ihat of the specified value in this
standard.
0.7 This Code of practice represents a #andard of good practice and
therefore takes tbc fatln of reckniepdation.
1. SCOPE
1.1 %bb code lays down recommeadatioua for the methods of treatment
and disposal of effiuent from septic tanks.
- . ;L
p L
i. TsuAlnNomy I -
3.9 Diw Tremeh-A trench k Which open j&ted pipe8 are
iaid aud surrounded by coarse aggqate media and overlaid b+ Sac
agregate. TbeeHwntgetadispersedthroughtheopenjointsaaw3ir
af!o rbed in the neighbokii soil.
2asImmmt8
a) Fz l@amt - The supernatmt-liquid dkharge fiotn .a rpic
.
b) El&e-Theiiquiddischargedfionraklogkal@lter.
clinker, broken stone and gravel
rrtl*#ofwbkh w f3h1~
-We?.@. Pa.4 F&h
i!fkatiralkWdQ?
Z.L.~IB Tbe liquid was+ tif i h&+&&&k 6ammuzAy including
.
gl*reWouad~e@aamwkl nl=(rirwj.
4

IS : 2470 ( Part 2) - 1985
2.7 Subsoil Water - Water occuring naturally below the surface of
the ground.
23 Sar f ac c Water - The run-off from precipitation and other water
that flows over surface of the ground.
3. PRELIMINARY DATA\ FOR DESIGN
3.1 In order to design secondary treatment works of the treatment of
effluent from septic. tanks, information on the following items should be
collected.
[a)zNature oftsoil and subsoil condition
1)
2)
3)
The fullest possible information on the nature of the soil and
subsoil conditions should be obtained, as well1 as the
approximate water table and any available records of good
levels or information as to the variation, seasonal or otherwise,
in the water table.
The soil should be explored to a sufficient depth to ascertain
the soils horizons and the soil types, grading, structure and
permeability. The external drainage factors, such as slope
of ground and position of surface water drains, if any, should
be, ascertained. Exploration of the soil to a significant depth
should be made because casual or visual inspection may fail
to reveal unsuitable conditions, such as an impervious granite
layer under sand, or on the other hand suitable conditions,
such as permeable schist overlaid by clay.
Soil Ty#es - An approximate field identification of the soils
should be made in accordance with the methods given in
IS : 1498-!970*. Trial bores or boreholes should be sunk
along the line of the proposed filter and data there from
tabulated. In general, the information obtained from trial
bores is more reliable than that from boreholes. The
positions of trial bores or boreholes should be shown on the
plans together with sections showing the strata found and the
dates on which the water levels were recorded. Full
information should be given as to the structure, type, colour,
permeability, depth and horizons of the soil, as well as any
impedances to drainage such as rock bars.
-
*Classification and identification of soils for general engineering purpose (jirJ~
rhiwl ) .
5

IS : 2470 ( Part 2 ) - 1985
4) Percolation Test - To decide on the details of B soil absorption
system a soil absorption test as given in Appendix A shall
be conducted. The percolation rate, that is time required
in minutes for water to fall 25 mm in the test-hole shall be
determined. A test in trial pits at more than one place in
the area should be undertaken to permit deriving an average
figure for percolation rate.
b) Site plan showing the proposed or existing buildings as well as
reduced ground levels over the site.
/ c) Discharge from the septic tank.
d) The position and nature of outfall ditches, wells, tanks or small
streams in the vicinity, if any.
3.2 When assessing the feasibility of a proposed effluent disposal scheme
involving absorption of effluent in soil, consideratian should be given to
factors such as:
a) The area of land available for the absorption.
b) The risk of prejudicing adjoining property, underground water
supplies, swimming and wading pools and the like, by seepage
from the area.
c) The permeability and depth of the soil on the proposed site for
the absorption area. Percolation tests are useful but the season
of the year when the tests are made and many other factors
have to be taken into account when assessing the results of the
tests. Long-term efficiency of an absorption area can be
adversely affected by high concentrations of chlorides and
sulphides in the soil.
d) Any seasonal changes in ground water level and absorptive
capacity of the site.
e) The climate and its effect on the evaporation from the site, for
example, distribution of rainfall, hours of sunshine, prevelance
of wind.
f) The effect of seepage ano surface water from surrounding areas
at higher levels than the proposed absorption area.
3.3 Before any work is started, the approval from the Administrative
Authority should be obtained.
6
.

SS:2470(Part2)-19W
4. METHODS OF TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL OF EFFLUENT
4.1 The following methods of disposal are describgd in this Code:
a) Soil absorption system,
b) Biological filters, and
c) Upflow anaerobic filters
4.2 Depending on the position of the subsoil water level, soil and subsoil
conditions, the recommended method of disposal of the effluent is given
in Table 1.
TABLE I RECOMMENDED METHOD OF DISPOSAL
FOR SEPTIC TANK EFFLUENT
POSITION OB TEE
SUBSOIL WATER
LEVEL FROX
GROUNDLEVEL
Within 18 m
Below 1.8 m
( %lauses 4.2, 6.0 and 7.0 )
SOIL ANDSUBSOILCONDITION
,-------~* --------mm-_
Porous Soil with Percolation Rate
--A -----
Not exceeding
30 min
Exceeding30 min
but not exceed-
ing 60 min
Dense and clays so<
with percolation rate
exceeding 60 min
Dispersion trench
located partly or
fully above
ground level in
a mound
Seepage pit or
dispersion trench
Dispersion trench
Eo;ed partly or
above
go&d level in
a mound
Dispersion trench
Biological filter partly
or fully above ground
level with under-drains
or upflow anaerobic
filter and the effluent
led into a surface drain
or used for gardening
S;Fe;face_ biol$gl
with
drains or upflow
anaerobic filter and
the effluent led into a
drain or used for
gardenihg
NOTE- Where the above mentioned methods are not feasible and where the
effluent has to be discharged into open drain it should be disinfected.
5. SOIL ABSORPTION SYSTEMS
5.1 Design of Soil Absorption Systems -The allowable rate of
application of effluent per unit area of dispersion trench or seepage pit is
limited by the percolation rate of the soil .( determined in accordance
7


IS : 2470 ( Part 2 ) - 1985
with Appendix A ) and the values obtainable from the graph given in
Fig. 1 may be used for guidance; the allowable rate of effluent
application for certain selected values of percolation rates are given in
Table 2.
SIANDARD PERCOLATION RATE, MINUTES (t 1
Q=$p
FIG. 1 ALLOWABLE RATE OF EFFLUENT APPLICATION FOR
STANDARD PERCOLATION RATE
5.2 Construction of the Soil Absorption System - Two types of
soil absorption system have been covered:
a) Seepage pit, and
b) Dispersion trench.
5.2.1 Seepage Pit - The seepage pit may be of any suitable shape with
the least cross-sectional dimension of 0.90 m and not less than 1.0 m in
depth below the invert level of the inlet pipe.
The pit may be lined
with stone, brick or concrete blocks with dry open joints which should
be backed with at least 75 mm of clean coarse aggregate ( see Fig. 2A ).
The lining above the inlet level should be finished with mortar.
In the
case of pits of large dimensions, the top portion may be narrowed to
8

RS : 2470 ( Part 2 ) - ~985
reduce the size of the RCC cover slabs. Where no lining is used, specially
near trees, the entire pit should be filled with loose stones. A masonry
ring may be constructed at the top of the pit to prevent damage by
flooding of the pit by surface run-off ( see Fig. 2B ). The inlet pipe may
be taken down to a depth of 0.90 m from the top as an anti-mosquite
measure. Illustrations of typical constructions of seepage pit are given
in Fig. 2
TABLE 2 ALLOWABLE RATE OF EFFLUENT APPLICATIONS TO
SOIL ABSORPTION SYSTEM
(Cluuss 5.1 )
PEROOLATION RATE
Min
MAXIE~UY RATE OB
EFFLUENT APPLICATION
l/ma/day
1 or less 204
2 143
3 118
4 102
5 90
10 65
15 52
30 37
45 33
60 26
NOTE 1 -The absorption area for a dispersion trench is the trench bottom area.
NOW 2 -The absorption area for reepage pits is the effective side wall area,
effective depth being measured from 150 mm below invert level of inlet pipe to the
bottom of the pit (see Fig. 2 ).
NOTE 3 - If the percolation rate exceeds 30 minutes, the soil is unsuitable for
aoakaways. If the percolation rate exceeds 60 minutes, the soil is unsuitable for any
soil absorption system.
5.2.2 Dispersion Trench -.Dispersion trenches shall be 0.5 to 1.0 m deep
and 03 to 1.0 m wide excavated to a slight gradient and shall be
provided with 150 to 250 mn+of washed gravel or crushed stones. Open
jointed pipes placed inside the trench shall be made of unglazed
earthen-ware clay or concrete and shall have minimum internal
diameter of 75 to 100 mm. Each dispersion trench should not be longer
than 30 m and trenches should not be placed closer than 2.0 m.
9

IS : 2470 ( Part 2 ) - 1985
INLE
OUTER CASIYG
NITif COrRSi
AGGREGr.7 E C
2A EMPTY PIT WJITY l.iNiNG
BRICtt,STtlNE OR CONC BLOCK
LIYfNG WITH MORTAR JOINTS
b-- 90rm MI N ------r l
OUTER CA&NG
WITH COARSE SAM?
2F3 PIT WITH FILLING WITHOUT LINING
FIG. 2 TYPICAL ILLUSTRATIONS OF SEEPAGE PITS
10.

IS : 2470 ( Part 2 ) - 1985
5,2.2.1 The covering for the pipes on the top should be with coarse
aggregate of uniform size to a depth of approximately 150 mm. The
aggregate above this level may be graded with aggregate 12 to 15 mm
to prevent ingress of top soil while the free flow of water is in a way
retarded. The trench may be covered with about 300 mm of ordinary
soil to form a mound and turfed over. Dispersion trenches are not
recommended in areas where fibrous roots of trees or vegetation are likely
to penetrate the system and cause blockages. The finished top surface
may be kept at least 150 mm above ground level to prevent direct
flooding of the trench during rains. Illustration of a typical soil
absorption system through dispersion trenches is given in Fig. 3.
5.3 Location of Subsurface Absorption System - A subsoil
dispersion system shall not be closer than 18 m from any source of
drinking water, such as well, to mitigate the possibility of bacterial
pollution of water supply. It shall also be as far removed from the
nearest habitable building as economically feasible but not closer than
6 m, to avoid damage to the structures. The actual distance, however,
shall be based on the soil conditions in relation to both percolation and
bearing capacity. Care should be taken that the ground below the
adjacent building is not likely to be affected by the effluent seeping into
the soil. In lime stones or crevice rock formations, the soil absorption
system is not recommended as there may be channels in the formation
which may carry contamination over a long distance, in such case, and
generally where suitable conditions do not exist for adoption of soil
absorption systems, the effluent, where feasible should be treated in a
biological filter or upflow anaerobic filters. _
5.3.: It is an advantage if the area avaiiable for disposal of effluent
is large enough to permit relocation of absorption trenches when
replacement of trenches become necessary.
6. BIOLOGICAL FILTERS
6.0 Biological filters are s.uitable for treatment of septic tank effluent
where the soil is relatively impervious ( SEI Table 1 ), water logged areas
or where limited land area is available. In a biological filter, the
eflluent from septic tank is brought into contact with a suitable medium,
the surfaces of which become coated with an organic film. The film
assimilates and oxidizes much of the polluting matter through the
agency of micro-oganisms. The biological filter requires ample
ventilation and an efficient system of underdrains leading to an outlet.
;
6.1 Construction - The depth of medium should be 1 400 mm but
never less than 900 mm. The medium should be retained in position
by walls of adequate trench. The filter should have a concrete floor,
11


IS : 2470 ( Part 2 ) - 1385
laid to falls with a system of underdrains laid on it and consisting of F.rld
drains half channels laid upside down and open jointed, or special tiles
discharging to the outlet.
6.2 Distribution - The septic-tank effluent should be distributed evenly
over the surface of the biological filter through which it percolates to
the floor. Biological filters may be either rectangular ( see Fig. -1.1; or
circular ( see Fig. 4B ) in shape and a series of fixed channels or rotating
arm distributor may be used for distributing efiluent on the medi-urn.
6.3 Filter Media - The filter sand and gravel shall conform
10
IS : 8419 ( Part 1 )-1977*.
6.4 Ventilation - Adequate ventilation of biological filter is essential.
Air vents communicating with the floor level of the filter should be
provided. Where the filter is below ground level, the vent pipes from
the ends of the underdrains should be carried to 130 mm above ground
level outside the fi!ter. Normally the filter should not be covered, but
wire netting may be used to prevent falling of leaves fouling the surface
of the filter or blocking the ends of the vent pipe.
6.5 Volume of Filter - It is essential that the volume of filter medium
provided is sufficient to allow for sewage flow which occurs with s:naIl
installations, such variation being more pronounced it the smalier
number of persons are ser:.ed. For populations of up to 10 persons the
volume snouldbe 1 m3 of medium per head, of resident population for
over 10 and up to 50 persons, 0.8 ms and for over 50 and tip to 300
persons, O-6 m3.
If pumping of the septic tank e;liuent forms part of scheme,
recirculation of final effluent to dilute the septic tank effluent may be
introduced to reduce the volume of the filter.
6.6 Treatment of Filter Effluent - The filter effluent is
either
discharged into surface drain or evenly distributed over a grass plot
from the system of channeh. ItThere the eflluent is likely to contaminate
the watercourse, the effluent should be adequately disinfected.
7. UPFLOW ANAEROBIC FILTER
7.0 Upflow type of filters ( reverse filter) operating under submerged
conditions is a method for disposal of septic tank effluents in areas where
dense soil condition (see Table 1 ), high water table and limited
availability of open land are factors to be considered for successful
l Requirements for filtration equipment : Part 1 Filtration media sand and gravel.
13

ISt2470(Part2)-1985
P--A
TWO-WAY
TIPPER I
+
t-A
PLAN
,
UNDERDRAINS
SECTION AA
SECTION 88
All dimensions io millimetres.
NOTE - Flexible joints may be required oh ink or outlet connectiona,Twherc
rigid pipes are used.
FI G. 4A RECTANCWLAR BIOLOGICAL FILTER
14

lSt2470(PartP)-1985
PLAN
ROVE GFiOUhD LEVEL
-f
1100
_-L
UNDERDRAINS \ CENTRE PILLAR
IF REWIRED
SECTION A A
All dimensiona in millimetres.
NOTE -Flexible joints may be required on inlet or outlet connection% where
sigid piper are used.
FIG. 4B CIRCULAR BIOLOGICAL FILTRR

IS:247O(Pltt2)-l985
disposal of effluents by secondary treatment. J be septic tank effluent
is introduced from the bottom and the microbii growth is retained on
the stone media making possible higher loading rates and efficient
digest&A The capacity of the unit is 094 to @05 m* per capita or l/ 3
to l/ 2 theliquid capacity of the septic tank it serves. BOD removalr of
70 percent can be expected and the effluent is clear and-free from odour
rpd-nuisance. The flow sheets of the filter system are shown in Fig. 5.
7.1 Types - Upflow anaerobic filters areof the following types:
a) Single chamber&l rectangular type, T
b) Double chambered rectanguIar type, and
c) Circular type.
7.2 Constnaction Featprcs- In an upflow filter, the tank effluent
enters at the bottom through a system of underdrains, flows upwards
through a layer of coarse material generally 0.6 to l-2 m deep and is
discharged over a weir or trough at the top. The driving head in the
filter, that is, the difference between the water level and the filter may be
as low as 25 to 150 mm during normal functioning.
7.2.1 Single Chambered Rectangular Type-I n this type ( Fig. 6 ) an
upflow filter with a rectangular chamber is constructed to treat the
etlluent from a normal domestic septic tank. The chamber is packed
with coarse material and the size of the packing media should be 20 mm.
The medium rests on a perforated concrete false bottom slab. The
effluent from septic tank enters the bottom of the filter chamber through
a 150 mm pipe and is distributed upward through the media from a
perforated slab at the bottom.
The vertical inlet is fitted with a tee at the bottom, one branch of
which leads to the filter and the other branch is kept plugged while the
filter functions. The plug can be removed to facilitate emptying into an
adjoining chamber and cleaning the filter where required. The effluent
from the top of the bed is allowed to escape over a V-notch. The sill
level is kept 150 mm above the top of the medium.
7.2.2 Double Chambered Rectangular 7j@ - The filter consists of two
interconnected compartments ( Fig. 7)* The first chamber is filled to a
depth of O-55 m with 20 mm coarse medium. The second chamber is
filled to a depth of O-45 m with 20 mm size coarse aggregate. The septic
tank effluent falls through a perforated tray over the medium in the first
compartment and enters the second compartment directly from the
bottom. The effluent passes up through the medium in the second
chamber and escapes over a V-notch placed 75 mm above the top of the
. 16

WASTE WATER . c SEPTIC TANK -
ANAEROBIC
)
GRASS
FILTER
PLOT.
_EF:LOUENT
GRAIN
L
k \ -
(1)
GAS
POSSIBILITY
1 I
OF GAS
COLLECTION
1
&
t ,, _
WASTE WATER L
_ ANA,E ROBI%
F 1CTp.R
c GRASS
PLOT
-eFF:aUENT
DRAIN
I)
,
(2)
\
1
r
, ,
OISPOSAL BY
WASTE WATER m SEPTIC TANK
ANAE ROBlC
FILTER
* SOAKPIT OR
TILE FIELD
h
(3)
FIG. 5 ANAEROBIC FILTER SYSTEM

ls:2470(lpt2)-1983
medium. By this arrangement, the time of travel of the effluent through
the filter is lengthened. The two chambers are each fitted at the bottom
with a 75 mm galvanized iron pipe leading to an adjacent chamber.
A
valve in these pipes allows the filters to be partly desludged into the
collecting chamber.
REMOVABLE
SEPTIC TANK
\
SLAB
EFFLUENT,
FILTER
CHAMBER
+EFFLUENt
I-
WIRE MESU. SUPPORT OR
PERFORATED CONCRETE BLOCK
FIG. 6 UPFLOW ANAEROBIC FILTER ( SINGLE (CAMBERED
RBCTANCWLAR TYPE )
,-REMOVABLE
SLAB
-
EFF LUENT
FIG. 7 UPPLOW ANAEROBIC FILTER ( DOUBLE CHAMBERED
RECTANGULAR TYPE )
7.2.3 Circular Filter - A circular filter O-9 m in dia may also be
constructed. Medium of aggregate of uniform size 20 mm should be
.
18

ISr247O(Patt2)-1985
packed to rest on a perforated concrete slab. Thi effluent may be made
to escape over the top of the medium through equally placed notches
along the periphery of the filter. The sill level is usually 100 mm above
the top of the medium.
7.3 Filter Media - The filter media shall conform to IS: 8419
( Part 1 )-1977.
7.4 Treatment of Filter Effluent - The filter effluent shall be treated
as given in 6.6.
APPENDIX A
( Clause 5.1 )
DETERMINATION OF THE SOIL ABSORPTION CAPACITY
A-l. PERCOLATION TEST
A-l.1 Percolation test should be conducted as descrit>ea in A-I.2 to A-l.6
to .determine the permeability of the soil at any depth at which it is
intended to dispose of the effluent.
A-1.2 A square or a circular hole with side width or diameter
respectively 100, to 300 mm and vertical sides shall be dugged or bored
to the depth of the proposed absorption trench. The bottom and sides
of the holes shall be carefully scratched in order to remove any smeared
soil surface and to provide a natural soil interface into which water may
percolate. All the loose material shall be removed from the hole and
coarse sand or fine gravel shal1 be added for a depth of about 50 mm, to
protect the bottom from scouring and sediment.
A-1.3 Water shall then be poured up to a minimum depth of 300 mm
over the gravel. In order to ensure that the soil is given ample
opportunity to swell and to approach the condition it will be in, during
the wettest season of the year, the percolation shall be determined
24 hours after the water is added. If the water remains in the test hole
after the overnight swelling period, the depth shall be adjusted
to 150 mm over the gravel. Then from fixed reference point the drop
in water level shall be noted over a 30 minute period. This drop shall
be used to calculate the percolation rate.
Requirements for filtration equipment: Part 1 Filtration media-Sand and gravel.
19

16:2470(Part2)-1965
A-1.4 If no water remains in the hole, water shall be added to bring the
depth of the water in the hole till it is 150 mm over the gravel. From a
tied reference point, the drop in water level shall be .measured
at 30 minutes intervals for 4 hours, re-filling 150 mm over the gravel
as necessary. The drop that occurs during the final 30 minutes period
shall be used to calculate the percolation rate. The drops during prior
periods provide information for possible modification of the procedure
to suit local circumstances.
A-l.5 In sandy soils or other porous soils in which the first 150 mm of
water seeps away in less than 30 minutes after the overnight swell&g
period, the time interval between measurement shall be taken
as 10 minutes and the test run for one hour. The drop that occurs
during the final 10 minutes shall be used to calculate the percolation
rate.
A-l.6 Percolation Rate -Based on the final drop, the perccilation
rate, that is, the time in minutes required for water to fall 25 mm, shall
be calculated.

IS t 2470 ( Part 2 I - 1985
( Continwd from page 2 )
Water Supply and Plumbing Subcommittee, BDC 24 : 1
Members R8fircsenfin~
SERI J . D Cruz
SHRI S. A. SWAMY (Altarnate)
Municipal Corporatixr of Delhi
SHRI SG. DEOLALIKAR I n personal capacity ( 403, Sauitri Cinema Commercial
SHRI S. K. DHORI
Complex, Greater Kailask IZ, .hfcw Delhi )
Delhi Fire Service, New Delhi
SXI RI R. K. BHARDWAJ (Alternate)
SHRI DEVENDRA SI NQH I n personal rapacity ( 16 A, Maya Mahal, 17th Road,
Khor, Bombay )
HYDRAULI C ENGI NEER Municipal Corporation of Greater Bombay,
Bombay
GRI EF ENQI NEER ( SEWERAOE ) (~~;;cu(lts )
SERI R. A. KHANNA Health Engineering Department,
SHRI D. K. MI TRA (Alternate I )
Government of Madhya Pradesh, Rhopal
SHRI I . S. BAWEJ A ( Alternate I I )
SARI S. T. K~ARE Public Health Engineering Department,
Government of Maharashtra, Bombay
SRRI A. S. KULKARN~ Municinal Corporation of Greater Bombay
SHR~V. B. NI KAY ( Alternarc )
( Bombay Fire Brigade ), Bombay
DR R. P. MATXUR University of Roorkee, Roorkee
SHRI U. L. TOSHNI WAL ( Alternatr )
SHRI K. GOVI NDA MENON Tarn&z:; Water Supply & Drainage Board,
SRRI T. G. SRI NI V~SAH ( Altcrnatc)
SHRI V. A. MHAI ~ALKA~ National Enviroamentai Engmecring Research
I nstitute (CSI R), Nagpur
SHRI C. V. CEALPLTI RAO ( Alternate)
SHRI K. GOVI NDAN NAI R Pubiic Health Engineering Department,
Goverrment of Kerala, Trivandrum
SERI N. S. QHAI KAVAN I Alternote j
SHRI P. K. NAGAREAR
SHRI J . N. KA~DI LE ( Altcrnutr )
PROF. Y. N. RAMACHANDRA RAO
MAJ B. S. PAW&AR ( Alternuts )
SHRK 0. P. RATRA
SRBI S. K. SEARMA
Mah;;;tra Engineering Research I nstitute,
Engineer-in-Chiefs Branch ( Ministry of
Defence ), New Delhi
National Buildings Organization, New Delhi
Cent;~or~e~lding Research I nstitute (CSI R),
21

INTERNATIONAL SYSTEM OF UNITS ( SI UNITS )
Base Unit0
QUANTI TY
Length
Mass
Time
Electric current
Thermodynamic
temperature
Luminous intensity
Amount of substance
Sapplementaty Units
QVANTI TY
Plane angle
Solid angle
Derived Units
QUANTI TY
Force
Energy
Power
Flux
rlux density
Frequency
Electric conductance
Electromotive force
Pressure, stress,
UNI T
metre
kilogram
second
ampere
kelvin
candela
mole
UNI T
radian
ateradian
UNI T
newton
joule .
watt
webei
terla
hertz
siemens
volt
Pascal
SYYBOL
m
kg
s
A
K
cd
mol
SYMBOL
rad
sr
SYMBVL
J
W
Wb
T
HZ
S
V
Pa
DEFI NI TI ON
1N
- I kg.m/ss
1J - 1 N.m
I W - 1 J/s
1 Wb - 1 V.s
I T = 1 Wb/m
1 Hz - 1 c/s (s-1)
I S = 1 A/V
1v - 1 W/A
1 Pa - 1 N/m*
.

c
BUREAU OF I NDI AN STANDARDS
Headquarters;
Manak Bhavan, 9 Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, NEW DELHI 110002
Telephones : 331 01 31, 331 13 75
Telegrams : Manaksanstha
( Common to all offices )
Telephones
E
331 01 31
3311375
36 24 99
Regional Ofices;
Central : Manak Bhavan, 9 Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg,
NEW DELHI-1 10002
*Eastern : l/14 C.I.T. Scheme VII M, V. I. P. Road,
Maniktola, CALCUTTA 700054
Northern : SC0 445-446, Sector 35-C,
CHANDIGARH 160036
Southern : C. I. T. Campus, MADRAS 600113
tWestern :
Manakalaya, E9 MIDC, Marol, Andheri (East),
BOMBAY 400093
Branch Offices:
Pushpak Nurmohamed Shaikh Marg, Khanpur,
AH M EDABAD 380001
SPeenya Industrial Area, 1 st Stage, Bangalore Tumkur Road
BAN GALORE 560058
Gangotri Complex, 5th Floor, Bhadbhada Road, T. T. Nagar,
BHOPAL 462003
Plot No. 82/83, Lewis Road, BHUBANESHWAR 751002
53/5, Ward No. 29, R. G. Barua Road, 5th Byelane,
GUWAHATI. 781003
5-8-56C L. N. Gupta Marg ( Nampally Station Road),
HYDERABAD 500001
RI4 Yudhister Marg, C Scheme, JAIPUR 302005
117/418 B Sarvodaya Nagar, KANPUR 208005
Patliputra Industrial Estate, PATNA 800013
T.C. No. 14/1421, University P.O., Palayam
TRIVANDRUM 695035
lnspecfion Ofice (With Sale Point) :
Pushpanjali, 1st Floor, 205-A West High Court Road,
Shankar Nagar Square, NAGPUR 440010
Institution of Engineers ( India ) Building, 1332 Shivaji Nagar,
PUNE 411005
*Sales Offxe in Calcutta is at 5 Chowringhee Approach, P-0. Princep
Street, Calcutta 700072
tSales Office in Bombay is at Novelty Chambers, Grant Road,
Bombay 400007
*Sales Office in Bangalore is at Unity Building, Narasimharaja Square,
Bangalore 560002
C
21843
31641
t: fZ ;:
I
41 2916
6329295
[
26348
26349
[
38 49 55
38 49 56
66716
53627
3 31 77
23 1083
[
63471
6 98 32
1
21 68 76
21 8292
62305
1
621 04
621 17
t
2 51 71
/
1
52435
t
27 66 00
I-
89 65 28
/
22 36 71
1
I
Printed at Simco Printing Press. Delhi. India

r
,. .
AMENDMENT NO. 1 APRIL 2004
IS 2470( PART 2 ) :1985 80DE OF PRACTICE FOR
INSTALLATION OF SEPTIC TANKS
PART 2 SECONDARY TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL OF
SEPTiC TANK EFFLUENT
(Second Reviswn )
( Page 16, clause 7.0, he 4 ) Delete or 1/3 to 1/2 of the liquid capacity
of the septic tank it serves:
( CED 24 )
Reprography Unit, BIS, New Delhi, ln~
W=*.
--i

AMENDMENT NO. 2 MAY 2 0 0 6
TO
1 S 2 4 7 0 ( PART 2 ) : 1 9 8 5 CODE OF PRACTICE FOR
INSTALLATION OF SEPTIC TANKS
PART 2 SECONDARY TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL OF SEPTIC
TANK EFFLUENT
( SecondRwkwn )
( Page 19, cl-rose 7.3) hsert tie following at tie end
Brick aggregate may also be used and it sk~ be prepared from tie welVover
burnt bricks conforming to class designation 5 and above of IS 1077. It skll be
free from under burnt clay particles, soluble salt and a~erent coating of soil or
silt. It shll also cofiorm to IS 3068.
( CED 24 )
,.
Repmgaphy Unit, BIS, Ne\v Delhi, In&a