Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning accumulated silt from the floor of a percolation basin are provided. An underwater terrain vehicle (UTV) moves along the basin floor and carries a series of blades that cut and lift the accumulated silt. An eductor driven vacuum head also carried by the UTV vacuums fragmented silt and transports the entrained fragmented silt through a vacuum hose into a location where the silt particles are separated from the water in which they are entrained. The UTV carries a first sonar for continuously scanning the basin floor and which is utilized to guide the UTV. A second sonar is placed in the basin in a known location and continuously scans and continuously monitors the location of the UTV on the basin floor. An operator remotely guides the UTV from an onshore location.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for removing accumulated underwater debris from a reservoir for a recirculating water system, such as used for a golf course sprinkler system. An eductor is provided which is driven by a high pressure water pump. The high pressure creates a vacuum which is utilized to actuate a vacuum line. The vacuum line is moved to and fro in the reservoir to entrain the debris from the reservoir in water and to carry the entrained debris to the eductor. The entrained debris is discharged from the eductor into a separator having a permeable membrane which traps the debris and allows the water to return to the reservoir. Various separators are provided. The eductor includes an adjustably mounted nozzle to adapt to different sized debris being removed from the reservoir.