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This page contains answers to some frequently asked questions (FAQ's) regarding domestic sewerage treatment, drinking water treatment and UV technology.
To protect the environment and ensure the longevity and optimal performance of your Nature Flow® HSTP we recommend that you use low phosphate or phosphate free detergents and cleaners. (Why is Phosphorus content important?) Look for the following symbols on the packaging of cleaning products: P This symbol lets you know that the product complies with the agreed Australian industry standard on phosphorus, which imposes a maximum content of 7.8 grams per wash. The standard is designed to reduce the amount of phosphorus entering Australian waterways. NP This symbol lets you know that the product contains no added phosphorus. Levels of 0.05% may be present. See here for a list of cleaners and their phosphorus content. This list was compiled in 1992/6 so is somewhat dated however a more recent version has not yet been commissioned. Research suggests that the variance in phosphorus content for detergents with the same P or NP label is high. There are an increasing number of "environmentally friendly" cleaners entering the market as consumer awareness increases and greywater re-use becomes more popular. No. In most cases treated effluent can be dispersed via surface irrigation subject to local authority requirements. Generally, a standard HSTP installation consists of two turf valves and a single 9 metre hose and sprinkler. This hose can be moved from one turf valve to the other allowing irrigation over the two dispersal areas. There is no need to establish gardens – effluent is treated to very high standards however some precautions are to be taken. Dispersal areas should not be located near children’s play areas or pedestrian areas and should remain within the setback distances set by your local authority. Treated effluent spray is not to be used on vegetable gardens. It may be used to irrigate the base of fruit trees etc – treated effluent spray is not to be sprayed onto the actual fruit of the trees. Detailed information on setback distances can be found here. Generally no.
The Nature Flow® Mk II Budget HSTP with online chlorinator uses chlorine to disinfect effluent prior to dispersal. The chlorinator used is a dial-up model. This ensures that only the minimum amount of chlorine needed to effectively sterilise the effluent is used thus minimising the discharge of chemical into the environment. This also means that the chlorine residual remaining in the treated effluent is minimal and as such irrigation of plants and lawns is not adversely affected. Ie Irrigation with treated effluent from the chlorinator model will not kill your plants or lawn. All Nature Flow® Systems only require annual servicing in standard domestic applications. Annual services cost approximately $125 plus travel and are completed by our service agent. Yes. It is a local authority (council) requirement according to AS1547:2000 - Onsite Domestic Wastewater Management. Penalties apply to anyone infringing this requirement and spot checks are a regular occurrence. Apart from the annual service Nature Flow® Systems require minimal intervention by the homeowner. The Nature Flow® Mk II Budget HSTP uses specialised chlorine tablets for disinfection. Generally, a standard household of 4 to 6 people uses 5 chlorine tablets a quarter. A pack of 5 chlorine tablets costs approximately $10. Therefore an average expense of $40 per year for chlorine tablets. The homeowner can replenish the chlorine tablets – a service call-out is not required. Instructions are available in the manual. No other maintenance is required. The Nature Flow® Mk II Ultra Violet HSTP uses UV sterilisation for disinfection. In a standard domestic application, the UV globe will require replacement approx. every 3 years at an approximate cost of $161.70* incl GST excluding packaging and freight. We recommend that a service technician complete any UV lamp changes. To minimise costs this lamp change may be completed during an annual service. No other maintenance is required. The disposal field must be maintained eg keep grass mown and ensure sprinklers are uncoiled and in good operational condition. Do not turn your system off. There is no need to do anything to the system when you go on holidays. The Nature Flow® Systems use natural anaerobic and aerobic bacteria as part of the treatment process. There is no need to turn the system off nor does it require any costly reactivation process when you return. Simply put, the system will be ready for use when you return. The Nature Flow® System in a standard domestic application uses less than $30 of electricity per year*. There are two pumps used in the system. One for pumping effluent through the sand media filter to the disinfection chamber of the tank and the other to pump from the disinfection through the chlorinator or UV unit to the dispersal method. These pumps do not operate 24 hours/day. They only operate as required and are activated by a float switch when a certain level is reached in the tank.
The Nature Flow® Mk II Budget HSTP with online chlorinator uses chlorine to disinfect effluent prior to dispersal. The chlorinator used is a dial-up model. This ensures that only the minimum amount of chlorine needed to effectively sterilise the effluent is used thus minimising the discharge of chemical into the environment. The Nature Flow® Mk II Ultra Violet HSTP uses ultra violet sterilisation to treat wastewater. UV sterilisation is Nature's own method of disinfection. It does not introduce any chemicals or disinfection by-products into the environment. It is safe, effective and efficient. Treated effluent is odourless and sterilised to a very high standard.
Yes. Nature Flow® HSTP’s treat all black and grey water and eliminates the need for a greasetrap. It is an "all-waste" management system. It allows the householder to effectively use all their water twice – once in the house and again for irrigating their lawns and gardens. While a greasetrap is not required it is strongly recommended that householders stringently limit the amount of grease/oils entering the system. Fats and oils should not be disposed of down the kitchen sink. This continues recommendations that have been in place for sometime regardless of the type of waste disposal system installed (ie all waste or onsite treatment system).
Yes. Approval Number 514. On-Site Sewerage Treatment Systems were formerly approved under the authority of the Department of Natural Resources. They are now approved under the authority of the Department of Local Government, Planning, Sport & Recreation. Nature Flow is one of the first approved on-site sewerage treatment systems to renew their approval with the new department. Nature Flow MkII HSTP previous approval number was DNR 504.
The system blends in with the environment. The only visible parts being the two mozzie proof vents, the top of the tank and the green disinfection unit.
17. What do I need to know about the chlorine tablets used in my Nature Flow Budget HSTP?
Material Safety Data Sheet - Chlorine Tablets.
Subsidence and/or ground movement is an event caused by Nature – it is unpredictable and extremely difficult to avoid. The degree of subsidence is dependent on individual site conditions including, but not limited to, weather (prior to, during and after installation), soil type and location of installation. It is an event not covered by warranty. Subsidence around tanks installed in-ground may result in increased pressure on any pipework connected to the tank. Sometimes this increased pressure will result in the pipework/fitting becoming "sheared off", stretched or split (leaking) or broken. Defects arising from subsidence are not covered by warranty. Generally subsidence only occurs in the first instance of changed weather conditions (ie after rain) however it may occur under other circumstances. Usually after the first instance the ground (and consequently the tank and other componentry) "finds it level" and you should not experience any further problems from this phenomenon. In very reactive soils or other unstable conditions, subsidence may occur again. Defects caused by subsidence are possible in any installation involving tankage and pipework being placed in and below ground. Common minor defects are: · Shearing, leaking or breakage at the poly dispersal line from the HSTP tank to irrigation. · Shearing, leaking or breakage at the PVC pipes between the ASF and HSTP tank. · Shearing, leaking or breakage at the stormwater pipe into the rainwater tank. Generally these defects can be rectified by either the "handyperson" homeowner or can be rectified by your supplier/installer (fees applicable). Unless otherwise agreed, all installations are for "loose" backfill only. Compacted backfill cannot be completed around concrete tanks as the uneven pressure created when backfilling will result in movement between mouldings. It is also exorbitantly expensive and will not guarantee that subsidence will not occur. The use of sand and other bedding materials will also not guarantee the prevention of subsidence. Often the sand will simply be pushed out of the trench or cavity by the flow of water leaving a depression that places strain on the pipework. The best prevention of defects caused by subsidence is simply to be aware of the possibility and to maintain vigilance in ensuring depressions are "topped up" and/or breakages etc are repaired in a timely manner. *All prices subject to change without notice. |
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