What can happen if the effluent weir is not level?

If the effluent weir is not level, it can lead to short-circuiting in flow. A weir is designed to maintain a specific hydraulic head and ensures that wastewater flows over the weir at a controlled rate. When the weir is uneven, it can create areas of varying water levels and flow rates, which can cause some water to pass through more quickly than intended—this is known as short-circuiting.

Short-circuiting reduces the efficiency of the treatment process because it may prevent adequate time for solids to settle, treatment chemicals to react, or other necessary biological processes from occurring effectively. Ultimately, a poorly leveled effluent weir disrupts the flow patterns that are crucial for optimal wastewater treatment operations.