Finding out whether a site is suitable for a wastewater treatment system is the goal of an EPA Site Suitability Assessment. Additionally, the assessment will aid in forecasting how wastewater will move through the subsoil and into subsurface materials.

A site suitability analysis will decide whether or not a specific site can support construction. All proposed new homes without access to public mains must include a percolation test or a site suitability assessment in their planning applications.

Three factors should be taken into account when designing a wastewater treatment system to treat and dispose of the wastewater:

• Does the website have any rules or limitations?

• Is the location appropriate for wastewater treatment?

• Can the wastewater be disposed of at the location?