Method for maximizing uniform effluent flow through a waste water treatment system

A method for minimizing turbulence in decanting liquid from a liquid reservoir, comprising the steps of:

• a) providing a screen decanter having a three-dimensional structure at least partially submersible in said liquid reservoir, including a bottom, screen sides, and a drain apparatus disposed in an opening in said bottom for draining liquid from within said structure, wherein said drain apparatus includes a plurality of openings;
• b) arranging said plurality of openings in a pattern along the length and partial circumference of said drain apparatus to provide essentially equal flow rates across the entirety of the screen of said screen decanter immersed in said liquid reservoir;
• and
• c) orienting a circumferential center of said pattern of said openings in a direction normal to the direction of flow of liquid through said screen sides.