When you live on a rural property or in a regional area such as the Riverina, certain towns and properties aren’t connected to a council sewerage line. Simple actions such as turning on a tap or hosing the garden are rarely taken for granted. Questions about managing wastewater – where does it come from? Where will it go? – are important to ask when choosing a wastewater system that suits your home and site. Luckily, the right system can answer these questions in one neat, environmentally friendly solution that also benefits your budget. Below the experts from Houzz.com answer your top questions on wastewater systems.

What Are Residential Wastewater Systems?

Residential wastewater systems are designed to take wastewater from the home and treat it on-site before it can be used elsewhere on the property – much like larger sewage treatment plants though on a smaller, domestic scale. Depending on state and council requirements, the treated recycled water can then be used to water gardens and lawns – a bonus that can greatly reduce water bills. One example is Everhard’s Aqua Advanced, which is capable of taking wastewater from all areas of the home, including the kitchen, laundry and bathroom. The compact, one-tank model occupies a small footprint and comes in polymer or concrete with a discreet lid design. Next-generation systems such as this form a complete on-site recycling system for all household wastewater.

How Do Wastewater Systems Work?

Aqua Advanced uses a thorough five-step process to treat wastewater, starting with primary treatment where solids and fats are separated and removed from raw sewage. The settled wastewater is then aerobically treated, while bacterial growth biodegrades and breaks down the organic material. Next, the aerated water is clarified and the solids are pumped back into the primary tank. Concentrated chlorine tablets then disinfect the clarified water and eliminate any residual bacteria. In the fifth and final step, a pump is activated when enough wastewater has been treated, which dispenses the safe, recycled water via an irrigation system.

How Clean and Safe Are They?

Very. In fact, this is one of the benefits of wastewater systems, especially compared to septic systems. While effluent from septic tanks can’t be used for other purposes and needs to be further processed after it leaves the tank, wastewater systems offer up purified, recycled water. Aqua Advanced’s five-step treatment process results in a byproduct that is safe, odour-free and clean enough to be used on gardens and lawns. It is designed and manufactured by Everhard in Australia, which has some of the most demanding testing programs worldwide to guarantee the safe quality of recycled water. Aqua Advanced has passed rigorous, long-term testing and meets the requirements of the AS/NZ1546.3 standard as well as testing to the Advanced Secondary Standard. For added safety, it is also fitted with an alert system and overflow, and is designed with back-up mechanisms to ensure guaranteed safety for the home and environment.

Are Wastewater Systems Environmentally Friendly?

Absolutely! Wastewater systems help reduce household water consumption by recycling and reusing this precious natural resource. The purified water they produce is also good for the garden – your plants will thank you for it. In times of drought and water restrictions, wastewater systems can be the difference between your garden or land thriving or dying, thanks to their in-built irrigation system. Aqua Advanced can be built with above- or below-ground irrigation to suit your individual site and water needs.

Do They Reduce Water Bills?

Another great benefit of wastewater systems is their ability to reduce costly water bills. Many a household in regional or rural areas has found systems such as Aqua Advanced can make a significant difference to household budgets and savings. The 20-year tank warranty also offers peace of mind that the system is built to last, making it a true investment for your home.

We are proud to say that Hurst Homes are HIA GreenSmart Professionals. From the solar orientation of your home, to insulation and double glazing, and the heating and cooling appliances we install. We ensure your needs are met and running costs that be be reduced are where possible. We also get all of our homes individually energy rated for our clients so they know how their house compares to others when they go to sell. For a free preliminary estimate on your dream home contact us today on 0438 692 962.

For more great articles from the Houzz experts visit Houzz.com.au