TRANSFORM YOUR HOME'S SEPTIC TANK SYSTEM WITH EASE!

DRAINPRO ARE SPECIALISTS IN SEPTIC TANK AND AERATED WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANTS FOR RURAL PROPERTIES

DrainPro design, engineer and install septic tanks and wastewater treatment systems. Whether you're building a new property or upgrading an existing system, we use the latest technology and industry best practices to develop efficient and sustainable designs that meet regulatory standards and environmental considerations.

Septic Tank or Aerated Wastewater Treatment Plant?

Many people are unsure whether they need a septic tank, or whether the council require them to install an aerated wastewater treatment plant. A simple septic tank system and an aerated wastewater treatment plant serve the same basic purpose of treating and disposing of wastewater. However, they differ significantly in their design, efficiency, and treatment processes.

Treatment Process

Septic Tank: Uses gravity to separate solids and liquids. It relies on anaerobic bacteria (that thrive without oxygen) to break down organic matter in the liquid waste. The effluent (treated wastewater) may need further treatment in a drainfield before being released into the environment.
Aerated Wastewater Treatment Plant: A more complex system that combines anaerobic and aerobic bacteria. It uses pumps and blowers to introduce oxygen/aeration into the tank, accelerating the breakdown process and producing cleaner effluent.

Efficiency

Septic Tank: Septic tank systems provide basic treatment and removal of some pollutants, but they are less efficient in terms of removing nutrients, pathogens, and other contaminants.
AWTP: AWTPs offer higher levels of treatment efficiency, removing a wider range of pollutants and pathogens from wastewater. They produce cleaner effluent that meets stricter water quality standards and regulatory requirements.

Effluent Quality

Septic Tank: Produces a lower quality effluent with higher levels of solids and contaminants. Not suitable for direct discharge into waterways due to potential environmental impact.
AWTS: Produces a much cleaner effluent with lower levels of solids and contaminants. Depending on local regulations, the treated effluent may be suitable for reuse in irrigation or discharged into waterways.

Environmental Impact

Septic Tank: Septic tanks may pose environmental risks if not properly maintained. Improperly functioning septic systems can lead to groundwater contamination, surface water pollution, and public health concerns.
AWTP: AWTPs are designed to minimize environmental impact by providing advanced treatment and producing cleaner effluent. They help protect water quality, preserve ecosystems, and mitigate pollution, making them suitable for areas with sensitive environments or stringent water quality regulations.

according to the building code:

The Building Code states that, If there is no sewer connection available, on-site treatment options will be needed, and that, with all wastewater disposal or recycling, health and safety must be the overriding priority.

Whether you can use a septic tank or need an aerobic treatment plant is determined by the building code, your local council, and your property. Property site features that must be considered when designing a wastewater disposal system, include:

Is the water table high or low?
Does the land become saturated during periods of high rainfall?
What area of land is available for the system?
What is the soil’s ability to absorb moisture, e.g. is the subsoil clay, sand, loam etc?
Can the proposed site be accessed by the heavy vehicles needed for installation and cleaning?
Will the tanks be a minimum 5 m from any building?
Local authorities or regional council bylaws.

The DrainPro Process:

Site Assessment > Design/Engineering > Permits > Installation > Maintenance

DrainPro will complete a comprehensive site visit so that our design and engineering team can create the best solution for your property. We do it once and do it right. We will also future-proof your system, allowing for upgrades in technology or changes in scale further down the track.

DrainPro will complete all required building permits and resource consents so that you don't have to, and all of our installations will be carried out by a certified drainlayer.

Let DrainPro do it all for you!

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Why you may have to install an AERATED water PLANT

Many councils in New Zealand will require an aerobic wastewater treatment plant rather than a septic tank, to ensure that your system removes pathogens and other harmful contaminants from wastewater, reducing the risk of waterborne diseases and protecting public health.

Septic tanks may not be deemed sufficient for wastewater treatment by councils in New Zealand due to their limited treatment capabilities. Septic tanks primarily rely on anaerobic processes, which are less effective at removing pollutants and pathogens from wastewater. Then, the partially-processed liquid portion of the wastewater flows out of the septic tank and into the surrounding land on your property. This frequently doe snot meet health and environmental standards.

On the other hand, an aerated wastewater treatment plant efficiently removes a much higher level of contaminants, pathogens, and nutrients from the wastewater than septic tank systems do. They are more effective and safer than septic tanks, offering several key advantages in terms of performance, efficiency, and environmental impact:

Advanced Treatment Processes: Uses advanced processes such as extended aeration, biological nutrient removal, and tertiary filtration to achieve higher levels of treatment.
Effluent Quality: Capable of removing suspended solids, organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, and pathogens, ensuring that the treated wastewater is safe for discharge.
Reliability and Consistency: Unlike septic tanks, which are simply a shell, AWTPs are equipped with computerised systems, backup components, and automated controls to ensure uninterrupted operation and minimize the risk of system failures.
Remote Monitoring and Control: Feature advanced monitoring and control systems that allow operators to remotely monitor and manage plant operations in real-time.
Flexibility and Scalability: Designed to be flexible and scalable they can easily be expanded or upgraded to increase capacity, improve performance, or incorporate new treatment technologies as needed.
Environmental Sustainability: Incorporate green technologies, eco-friendly practices, and resource recovery initiatives to conserve water, energy, and natural resources while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and environmental pollution.

The DrainPro Approach

01. Fast Responses

We pride ourselves on having efficient systems which allow us to respond quickly. Our work promise means we aim to complete your job within one or two days.