The advantages and disadvantages of infiltration wells
Advantages of Infiltration Wells
For some people, infiltration wells may not be familiar, because in essence these infiltration wells have occurred naturally in environmental conditions that still have lush trees. However, along with the development of residential and urban areas which make the environment less trees, the ability of the soil to absorb water decreases. Therefore, infiltration wells are an alternative solution because they have many benefits and advantages. Some of the main benefits of infiltration wells are as follows:
- Reducing the Volume of Stagnant Water When it Rains
The first benefit of infiltration wells is that they can reduce the volume of standing water during heavy rains. When there is heavy rain, the soil is no longer able to absorb rainwater, causing puddles on the ground surface, that's when infiltration wells function to accommodate excess rainwater and pool on the surface. With the infiltration wells in the yard, we can avoid puddles of rain water which if it occurs continuously can cause erosion, eroded soil and the soil structure becomes unstable. - Prevent flood
Another benefit of infiltration wells is that they can reduce runoff that flows into the disposal in case of heavy rain. If this runoff water is not reduced, there will be more water flowing on the surface, so there is a risk of flooding. If infiltration wells are installed at points that have the potential to inundate, water does not collect and will enter the ground directly. So that it can reduce the flow of water on the surface which causes inundation and flooding. - Adding Groundwater Reserve
According to various sources, several areas in Indonesia are experiencing a groundwater crisis. In this condition, one of the benefits of infiltration wells can be seen, namely it can increase groundwater reserves. Infiltration wells with simple technology and built with the right construction become a place to accommodate the required groundwater. - Accommodating Clean Water
One of the benefits of infiltration wells is that they can be used to hold clean water, for this reason infiltration wells are made far from septic tanks and ditches so that they are not contaminated with household wastewater or sewage waste. Thus the water stored in infiltration wells can be used as clean water for daily household purposes such as washing, bathing, watering plants and other purposes. - Becoming a Water Source for Irrigation
Infiltration wells are highly recommended in rice fields and plantations, which require large amounts of water for irrigation. The benefit of infiltration wells is that they can be a source of reserve water in the event of a dry season that causes drought, while rainfall conditions are erratic and unpredictable. Water stored in wells can be used for agricultural and plantation activities. - Keeping Soil Moisture
With the infiltration well, the soil moisture around the well will be maintained because there is sufficient water availability. Beneficial in preserving plants and the surrounding environment. - Preventing Land Subsidence
Groundwater that is taken excessively will cause a decrease in the surrounding land and can lead to subsidence. Another consequence is that the ground level is reduced. This is very risky in the area if allowed to continue. This is where the benefit of infiltration wells is that they can prevent land subsidence because the availability of water is always sufficient. - Preventing Seawater Intrusion
Seawater intrusion is the entry of seawater into the pores of rocks and pollutes the groundwater contained therein. The cause of intrusion is the amount of rainwater that flows and empties into the sea, the more there is, the more potential for seawater intrusion to occur. This intrusion occurs mainly in coastal areas
Disadvantages of Infiltration Wells
Besides the various benefits and advantages of infiltration wells, it turns out that there are also drawbacks to infiltration wells. Based on various sources Edi Prasetyo (2014) and Namlea (2016) mentioning infiltration wells is not enough to overcome flooding, because there are several weaknesses, namely:
- Infiltration well is full quickly
In terms of construction, the infiltration well does not have a reservoir so it fills up quickly with water. Infiltration wells have a limited capacity to accommodate. Without the construction of a reservoir, the infiltration well will fill up quickly. Especially when it rains heavily. - Dirty surface water goes into it
Infiltration wells as water reservoirs should contain clean water, but sometimes dirty water from the surface enters into it. If followed by garbage and not cleaned regularly, the well will quickly fill up and even die and no longer function. - Need well maintenance
Dirty water that enters the infiltration well causes the need for special care for the well, periodic cleaning needs to be done so that the well is not clogged and filled with garbage. Public awareness of infiltration well users is further increased so that they can function optimally and be used for a long time. - Need previous research
Before making infiltration wells in certain locations, it is necessary to do research, monitoring and inspection in advance so that the location or place is really appropriate and can be used. - Long working time
Infiltration wells are made at several points in each location, therefore their manufacture requires materials such as concrete, brick or stone in large quantities. Therefore, the construction of infiltration wells takes a long time.
Although infiltration wells have drawbacks, the advantages and benefits are still much greater so that the benefits derived from the application of infiltration wells are still more than the disadvantages. Conclusions that can be drawn from the utilization in the application of infiltration wells according to DAI (2012) is :
- It has succeeded in increasing groundwater discharge (population dug wells and springs).
- Very fast and effective in increasing groundwater (dipper wells, springs) and river water.
- Very efficient in collecting, soaking rainwater into the ground and reducing the danger of flooding.
- Very easy and inexpensive to manufacture and maintain.
- Only requires a small / narrow area (can be built in the yard and back of the house).
- The technology is simple so anyone can make it.
- Very safe, because it uses a well cover.
The many benefits and advantages of this infiltration well make it a highly recommended alternative to be built in locations that have the potential for inundation and flooding in the event of high-intensity rain. The shortage of infiltration wells as previously mentioned can still be anticipated and does not become a significant obstacle, as long as there is a commitment to the construction and maintenance of the infiltration wells, the benefits of infiltration wells can really be felt by the community, especially in preventing flooding and being a place for groundwater reserves during the dry season. .

