A clarifier of a wastewater treatment system is made more efficient and cost effective with an energy dissipating inlet (EDI) that removes the need for a conventional feedwell/EDI system. A central influent pipe has wastewater outlet ports under the liquid surface, the ports being surrounded by an efficient EDI surrounding the center pipe and extending outwardly therefrom. The EDI receives influent flow and directs the sludge outwardly and generally downwardly at reduced flow velocity. Series of baffles in the EDI help slow the flow velocity and disperse the sludge. In another embodiment a faucet-type EDI has discharge openings that disperse the sludge downwardly after it has flowed through sets of baffles above. Significant cost reductions in material and installation are realized by elimination of the conventional feedwell/EDI system.