Blackwater Systems

Our blackwater systems simply and efficiently help you re-use your water. You’ll reduce your on-site usage by up to 90 per cent and take the pressure off our sewer infrastructure at the same time.

Blackwater is any wastewater that is contaminated with water discharged from a toilet. Compared to greywater recycling, it’s usually easier to recycle blackwater because most plumbing systems don’t separate greywater streams e.g. showers and basins. Aquacell’s S Series blackwater systems can be retrofitted to existing buildings or installed in new developments – all without having to deal with complex dual plumbing set ups. And once your system is installed you’ll have instant access to a never-ending supply of recycled water for all your non-drinking needs.

The Aquacell S Series

The Aquacell S Series provides a simple modular solution for on-site blackwater recycling. The system features a controlled, robust and comprehensive treatment process that combines physical, microbiological and oxidative treatments in one package.

Aquacell S Series in action – sewered area

Sewered-Blackwater-System

Aquacell S Series in action – unsewered area

Unsewered Blackwater System

Please note: typical processes illustrated. Actual process may vary depending on application and regulatory requirements.

Our blackwater recycling in detail

Each of the following steps are illustrated in the graphics above.

Water collection – Water flows from throughout the property to a collection point where it is pumped into the Aquacell system. This is where the treatment process starts.

Aerobic screening – This process reduces insoluble material to a negligible residue. This residue is either discharged to the sewer or de-watered and compacted for disposal as solid waste.

Biological treatment – Air is diffused into the water to make ideal conditions for bacteria to consume impurities. A sustainable biomass concentration is maintained, which metabolises all the incoming waste. This means there’s negligible sludge and 99.9 per cent of the incoming water is re-used.

Ultrafiltration – Ultrafiltration occurs through a special membrane of microscopic pores that stop particles, bacteria and viruses from passing through. The membranes are cleaned by air scouring to make sure no wastewater is produced.

Ultraviolet disinfection – As a precaution, ultraviolet lamps are included in all Aquacell blackwater systems to up the protection against pathogens.

TDS and nutrient removal – These Aquacell-only technologies are employed for things like cooling tower re-use and discharge to sensitive environments.

Chlorination – A chlorine residual is added to protect the water while in storage and the reticulation system. This is the only time any chemicals are used in the treatment process.

Treated water storage – The result is safe water, kept in storage for immediate use for non-potable applications, including surface irrigation, toilet flushing and cooling towers.

Green benefits

The Aquacell S Series offers negligible residue, low energy usage and high recovery rates. These features provide maximum credits for Green or ESD projects. All this means an Aquacell blackwater system is the ideal option for green builders keen to reduce overheads, re-use water and minimise their carbon footprint.

Customer support

We’ve got all the bases covered. Every Aquacell blackwater system comes with a built-in control, which continuously reacts to the ever-changing quality of effluent without an on-site operator. Plus, our expert Aquacell engineers remotely monitor all systems, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

Regulatory compliance

Aquacell’s localised blackwater treatment and recycling solutions have helped people re-use water all across Australia. That means we’ve got the experience and knowledge to navigate complex regulatory frameworks and make sure you get the best possible recycling outcomes. Data acquisition and compliance reporting is built into the Aquacell system from the ground up. All our systems are backed by expert knowledge, service and maintenance support. It’s all part of our ongoing guarantee to ensure your peace of mind.