SAND FILTRATION Guide
A practical guide to choosing, operating, and optimizing sand filters on the job site.
On construction sites, groundwater management isn’t always part of the plan, but it often becomes part of the problem. As excavation begins, water seeps in, mixes with the disturbed soil, and suddenly your team is faced with managing muddy, sediment-laden runoff that can’t be legally discharged without filtration. Sand filtration is one of the simplest, most cost-effective ways to manage this issue.
SAND FILTRATION MATTERS
Sand filtration removes suspended solids from groundwater and helps contractors stay compliant with discharge permits, without expensive or overly complex systems.
Global Environmental has supported contractors across Michigan for decades with dependable sand filter setups that function effectively in real-world conditions. We’ve seen what works, what fails, and where smart planning saves time, money, and headaches.
Download Guide
Download Guide
DEFINITION
What is sand filtration?
Sand filtration is a mechanical treatment method that physically removes particles from water by passing it through a bed of sand. It’s often used as the first line of defense in a treatment process, particularly on sites where solids must be removed before water is discharged.
Key capabilities:
Key capabilities:
Removes particles down to 20 microns.
Can be used as a standalone solution or paired with: coagulants/flocculants, activated carbon, ion exchange resin, zeolite media.
When properly sized and maintained, sand filters ensure groundwater discharge stays within Total Suspended Solids (TSS) limits.
COMMON USE CASES
Sand filtration is especially valuable on fast-moving
projects, where last-minute permitting or discharge needs arise.
Sand filters are commonly deployed in the following scenarios:
Construction Site Dewatering
Basements, foundations, underground utilities.
Basements, foundations, underground utilities.
Stormwater Sediment Removal
Groundwater Pretreatment
Before GAC or resin filtration.
Before GAC or resin filtration.
Emergency Filtration
After rainfall or site flooding.
After rainfall or site flooding.
CHOOSING A SAND FILTER
Choosing the right filter requires understanding the conditions on your site, not just grabbing a skid and hoping for the best.
Considerations when selecting a sand filter:
Flow Rate
How much water will need to be processed per hour? Undersized units will clog, stall, and frustrate your crew.
How much water will need to be processed per hour? Undersized units will clog, stall, and frustrate your crew.
Solids Concentration
Heavily sedimented water requires more surface area or multiple filter beds in series.
Heavily sedimented water requires more surface area or multiple filter beds in series.
Particle Size
Finer particles (like silts and clays) may require pretreatment or additional filtration layers.
Finer particles (like silts and clays) may require pretreatment or additional filtration layers.
Water Chemistry
Sand filters only handle suspended solids. If lab tests reveal the presence of metals, oils, or PFAS, you’ll need to add additional treatment steps.
Sand filters only handle suspended solids. If lab tests reveal the presence of metals, oils, or PFAS, you’ll need to add additional treatment steps.
Good to Know
Global offers custom-built systems that combine
sand filtration with other media, such as GAC,
zeolite, or ion exchange resin.
Global offers custom-built systems that combine
sand filtration with other media, such as GAC,
zeolite, or ion exchange resin.
O&M
Like any system on the job site, sand filters
need attention to run smoothly.
Failing to maintain equipment can lead to clogs,
delays, or noncompliance. Global’s team can train your crew or manage the system entirely. We offer flexible support depending on your needs.
delays, or noncompliance. Global’s team can train your crew or manage the system entirely. We offer flexible support depending on your needs.
Inspect media for signs of clogging or channeling.
Monitor influent and effluent turbidity.
Backwash or replace media as needed.
Keep the flow consistent, as sudden
surges can stir up sediment.
surges can stir up sediment.
Clean or replace any geotextile support
filters if present.
filters if present.
TROUBLESHOOTING
When things go wrong, it’s usually one of a few repeat offenders.
Here’s a quick reference chart:
ISSUE
CAUSE
SOLUTION
Sluggish flow or backup
Clogged media
Backflush or replace filter media
Cloudy discharge
Overloaded filter or fine particulates
Add coagulant or additional filtration
Overflow from vessel
Imporper flow rate or system undersized
Recalculate flow needs; add parallel unit
Fines in filtered water
Support later failure or media migration
Inspect geotextile filters and replace as needed
Recent Projects
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Ready to discuss your construction dewatering needs with a qualified environmental professional?
Our process starts with a free consult and site visit to understand the specific needs of your unique project.
