Advantages	Disadvantages
Suitable option when reuse of effluent is not possible	Depending on the infiltration system, there is a relatively high space requirement (min. 20 m²/m³ effluent for infiltration trenches)
Infiltration by trenches is cheap if gravel and geotextile are locally available and the soil is sufficiently porous	The level of deep groundwater can increase following infiltration. The risk of flooding may increase. Adequate security measures must be considered
Implementation is relatively easy and can be done by local workers under supervision	Infiltration fields cannot be ploughed or cultivated. Tree roots in the infiltration trenches need to be avoided
Health risks are minimal since effluent flows underground	Effluent needs to be adequately pre-treated before infiltration
Low maintenance requirements	Groundwater levels must be as deep as possible to minimise the risk of contamination
	It may negatively affect soil and groundwater properties

Advantages and Disadvantages of Infiltration