Aqua Clarus - Grey and Wastewater Systems

How It Works

The Simply Natural Wastewater Treatment System comprises a treatment tank that is connected to a vegetation cell and an appropriately sized sub-soil land application system of a type approved by the relevant Local Authority. The treatment tank is a compact unit with very low service requirements.

The Simply Natural uses a state-of-the-art treatment process that produces enhanced primary effluent of exceptional quality at a low cost. Solids removed from the system make an excellent fertiliser and are used to fertilise vegetation on the site. The treated water from the system is applied to a sub-soil environment such as an absorption trench, transpiration mound or sub-soil irrigation system.

The Simply Natural automatically separates the solids from the liquid in the treatment tank using a revolutionary, patented separation device. Most of the liquid (approximately 90% of the influent) that is removed from the solids passes through a biological trickle bed and flows to a collection chamber at the base of the treatment tank. The aerobic trickle bed consists of alternate layers of coarse and fine media. The coarse media is passively ventilated to promote aeration. Periodically, the liquid in the collection chamber re-circulates through the trickle bed.

When the liquid in the collection chamber reaches a predetermined level, it is automatically pumped to the land application system. The system breaks down the solids (toilet paper, faeces, etc) in a simple and efficient vertical wet composting / decomposition chamber using a mini-ecosystem.

The mini-ecosystem works in a similar manner to the decomposition process on a rainforest floor and includes worms and other invertebrates. Unlike a rainforest, the Simply Natural is a 'closed' system - the entire decomposition process is contained within the treatment tank. The decomposition process is aerobic, in that the solids are exposed to air. Also, the surface area of the solids in the decomposition chamber is maximised, enabling efficient treatment within a relatively small space.

When the solids are completely broken down, the resulting Vermicast (or worm manure) is pumped with a small quantity of liquid (approximately 10% of the influent) to the vegetation cell, where it provides nutrients for a growing plant. The liquids and solids removal pumps provide a backup for each other in the event of a pump failure.

No Unpleasant Smells: The unique system design ensures no unpleasant odours are released in its process.
Low Maintenance: Requires only one annual service. The system contains few moving parts and no corrosive or corrodible components. Pumps used are stainless steel and long lasting.
Low Power Consumption: Approximately 70% less power consumption than an aerated waste water treatment system.
Low Chemical Impact: The system doesn't use harmful chemicals such as chlorine.
No Pump-out No de-sludging requirements: Solids are separated and disposed of naturally on site. Ideal for Difficult Sites. The system can be installed under a house or deck.
Upgradeable: The system is designed to be upgraded to the Super Natural product. This will allow treated water to be used for above ground irrigation and other approved domestic re-use options.
Lightweight: Approximately 300kg when empty for easy transportation and installation.

The Simply Natural standard treatment system is housed inside a 3000 litre approved plastic tank ready for connection to the sewer inlet and to mains power. The tank is approximately 1.8 metres in diameter and 1.8 metres high and weighs approximately 300kg.

Aqua Clarus will provide general information on the layout and available options for the vegetation cell and land application area. The exact sizing and location of the vegetation cell and land application area is site specific and should be determined by consultation between the installer (or an Aqua Clarus representative), the local Environmental Health Officer and the client. The land application area must be sub-soil and meet Local Authority requirements.

The Simply Natural treatment tank can be installed above ground such as under a house, below ground or partially buried. In the majority of installations, the tank will be installed in the ground as close to the house as possible.

For in ground installation, a hole needs to be excavated prior to installation and suitable bedding material provided. For above ground installation the sewer entry pipe from the house needs to be at least 1.6 metres above the ground and a minimum of 600mm head height is required above the tank to allow for servicing. The land application area can be some distance from the house.

A licensed plumber is required to connect the system to the sewage outlet from the house and a licensed electrician to run an underground power supply to the system. (The plumber must be an Aqua Clarus accredited plumber or under the supervision of an Aqua Clarus representative).

Servicing: Under government legislation, a service agreement is required for all on-site sewerage treatment systems. This ensures that the system is periodically checked for correct operation. For the Simply Natural, the inspection period is yearly (every 12 months).

Warranty: The Aqua Clarus Simply Natural Wastewater Treatment System is engineered from quality components and installed by qualified people. The system has an expected service life of more than twenty-five (25) years, excluding electrical and mechanical components. The Simply Natural system is covered by a Comprehensive Manufacturers Warranty of two (2) years on all parts and labour.