How is the population equivalent calculated in terms of flow?

The calculation of population equivalent in terms of flow is primarily done using a standard figure for daily water usage per person. The value of 100 gallons per person per day is commonly accepted in water treatment practices to estimate the flow that a population will contribute to a treatment facility. This figure helps in planning and designing systems for adequate capacity to handle the expected wastewater flow based on the number of people served.

By using this number, engineers and operators can determine the total expected wastewater flow by multiplying the population served by the standard gallons per person per day. This calculation is critical in ensuring that treatment facilities are sized properly to manage the inflow and maintain effective treatment processes.

Other options provided do not relate to the flow calculations for wastewater treatment in the manner needed for establishing a population equivalent. For example, the option concerning pounds of suspended solids per person does not address flow but rather a specific parameter of influent quality. The mention of geometry (pi times radius squared times height) pertains to volume calculations rather than wastewater flow, and discussing elevation points refers to hydraulic principles, which do not aid in calculating population equivalents in flow. Thus, the selection based on a standard daily water usage establishes the foundation needed for wastewater flow calculations effectively.