How Does Your System Work?
Waterflow NZ Ltd, after following the history of sewage treatment, recognized the benefits of treating the low volume, high toxicity black water (from toilets and kitchen sink) separately from the high volume, low toxicity grey water (from baths, showers, dishwashers, laundry etc).
Separated at their source, these waters receive selective treatment in view of appropriate disposal into the environment. The black water passes into the WORMORATOR® which is an enclosed Eco-System, simulating the forest floor, where the solids are separated from the liquid and treated through Vermiculture and various natural processes and filter media’s. Vermiculture processes, as shown through
extensive trialling, reduce the solids by up to 95% which is unmatched by any other type of system meaning virtually no ‘pumpouts’ or hassle of getting rid of this waste. Treatment of the large volume grey water is through a series of natural filtration processes. This water is then combined with black water for final disposal into the soil as per council regulations. The NaturalFlow system also welcomes the use of a Waste Master in the kitchen sink, an added bonus if you so desire!!
Availability?
Systems are normally held in stock and ready for dispatch from the Waterflow yard.
Does it require Power?
No, the NaturalFlow system uses completely natural aeration processes and does not require an external power source in any of the aeration process – in fact where you have a sloping section you do not require any power whatsoever!
Can the Grey Water be reused?
Yes, this water can then be used for surface or sub-surface irrigation eg; watering trees, hedges, plantings, orchards etc.
Does it require a Soakage Field?
Yes, you will need either driplines, or a soakage field or a combination of both depending on which model or series you choose. These options also depend on the council requirements for the area and the soil types etc on the site.
Is it accepted by Councils?
In most cases an Onsite Disposal System will be a permitted activity and all the Council will require is a site assessment, which will need to be done by a suitably qualified person (this is often incorporated in a Geotech report on the site relating to the building project). This can also be done by a accredited NaturalFlow installer.
What are the Maintenance Requirements?
Maintenance is set out in a homeowner’s manual. The home owner can be trained to manage their system as it is very straightforward and mainly involves only simple visual checks on the system. Waterflow would recommend a yearly visit from an installer and some council’s are now starting to insist on this.
Download the operation manual here:
Home Owners Care Guide
How do I Protect the Worm Colony?
You can help maintain an effective wastewater system on your site, by ensuring no toxic or high chlorine chemicals are put down the Kitchen sink or toilets. A home owner’s guide will be provided with your new NaturalFlow system.
Does Antibiotics or sickness have any effect on the worm colony?
Antibiotics when used in the home through periods of sickness have proven to have no adverse effects on the Worm Colony.
Does temperature affect the Worm Colony?
The Tiger Worms are breed in Cromwell, Central Otago, where they have extreme temperatures ranging between -7° to 38°c. They are well adapted for all of New Zealand’s harshest conditions.
What if the Worms die?
This would be very unusual and would have to be a result of prolonged flooding or toxic chemicals, but this will show up very quickly, through visual checks, and the Wormorator can easily be reseeded with Tiger Worms.
Can I install it myself?
The Natural Flow system, as with all sewage systems, must be installed by a Registered Drainlayer or preferably by an accredited Natural Flow installer.
Can I use my own Drain Layer?
Yes, but the advantage of using an accredited installer is they will provide technical support before, during and after installation.
What is the Difference between an Advanced Primary and a Secondary System?
It relates to the treatment level or purification of the wastewater, with Secondary being more pure than the Advanced Primary level.
What is the minimum Distance allowed for a system from a building?
Anything greater than 3 meters from the building, under permitted activity.
What shouldn't you flush down your toilet?
Dental floss, feminine hygiene products, diapers, cotton swabs, cigarette butts, coffee grounds, cat litter and other kitchen and bathroom items that can clog and potentially damage septic system components if they become trapped.
Flushing household chemicals, gasoline, oil, pesticides, antifreeze and paint can also stress or destroy the biological treatment taking place in the system or might contaminate surface or ground waters.
How close can I discharge to a waterway/building/boundary etc?