Wastewater Reuse Applications | Blackwater, Greywater, Stormwater | Orenco Systems
Submit
New Products

Reuse Applications

Home Applicationsbreadcrumb separatorWastewater Reusebreadcrumb separatorReuse Applications

Water reuse is no longer a choice. It’s a necessity.

As supplies of fresh water become increasingly scarce, methods of recycling and reusing this vital resource are getting more attention than ever before. Orenco’s AdvanTex® Treatment Systems consistently produce clear effluent that meets the most stringent permit limits. This effluent is suitable for a variety of reuse applications (governed by local regulations), including irrigation, toilet flushing, industrial cooling, and car washing. With a 15-year track record, the AdvanTex textile filters are a proven technology that not only treats greywater to reuse levels, but is also ideal for treating residential or commercial wastewater.

Wastewater treatment systems designed for reuse applications need to meet permit limits specific to their particular city, county, or state. AdvanTex systems use a multi-pass, packed-bed filter technology that’s ideal for handling highly variable flows and is also inherently more stable than suspended-growth, activated-sludge systems. A more stable process means greater reliability, lower operation and maintenance requirements, and greater confidence in meeting permit limits. Learn more about some of our real-world reuse projects in this article from World Water magazine.

 

Overview photo of AdvanTex system interior

Blackwater

The most efficient way to reuse water – by far – is to treat the entire waste stream. On difficult or environmentally sensitive sites, an advanced or secondary wastewater treatment system treats the effluent to very high levels, sometimes followed by disinfection.

Orenco’s AdvanTex Treatment Systems use a packed-bed, fixed-film technology that treats blackwater to reuse standards (subject to local regulations) in a low-impact, energy-efficient way. Packed-bed technology has been in use for more than 100 years and is the gold standard for advanced treatment.

Sustainability Advantages of AdvanTex Treatment

Excellent Treatment:

  • AdvanTex units use natural, biological processes to reduce bacteria.
  • The Orenco UV Disinfection Unit reduces bacteria to safe levels.
  • Systems are monitored and controlled by remote telemetry.

Groundwater Safety:

  • Ideal for high water tables, watertight AdvanTex systems keep untreated water from entering groundwater.
  • Untreated wastewater cannot bypass the operating treatment process, even under surge conditions or during power outages.

Conservation:

  • Energy efficiency: recirculation pumps rarely exceed 1 horsepower. Power usage for treatment is very low. System can be run entirely off-grid.
  • Water conservation: onsite treatment/dispersal allows for subsurface irrigation and reuse applications. (subject to local restrictions).

Equipment Longevity:

  • Orenco pumps have an expected life of 20-30 years.
  • Our pumps are easily disassembled and feature a repairable liquid end, so full pump replacement is rarely necessary.
  • The textile treatment media doesn’t require replacement under normal conditions.
Photo of interior of AdvanTex AX-RTUV greywater treatment unit

Greywater

More and more jurisdictions in the United States (and around the world) are requiring that greywater systems are installed in new construction. These systems recycle water from showers, sinks, and laundry facilities for reuse (subject to local regulations).

Greywater is wastewater, and needs to be treated accordingly. If stored untreated, it can “go septic” very quickly. However, proper treatment kills pathogens and prevents odors, allowing treated greywater to be stored and reused for non-potable needs. Orenco’s AX-Greywater systems use the same packed-bed, fixed-film technology as our other AdvanTex systems to treat greywater in an affordable, low-impact, energy-efficient way.

Sustainability Advantages of AdvanTex Treatment

Excellent Treatment:

  • AdvanTex units use natural, biological processes to reduce bacteria.
  • The Orenco UV Disinfection Unit reduces bacteria to safe levels.
  • Systems are monitored and controlled by remote telemetry.

Groundwater Safety:

  • Ideal for high water tables, watertight AdvanTex systems keep untreated water from entering groundwater.
  • Untreated wastewater cannot bypass the operating treatment process, even under surge conditions or during power outages.

Conservation:

  • Energy efficiency: recirculation pumps rarely exceed 1 horsepower. Power usage for treatment is very low. System can be run entirely off-grid.
  • Water conservation: onsite treatment/dispersal allows for subsurface irrigation and reuse applications. (subject to local regulations).

Equipment Longevity:

  • Orenco pumps have an expected life of 20-30 years.
  • Our pumps are easily disassembled and feature a repairable liquid end, so full pump replacement is rarely necessary.
  • The textile treatment media doesn’t require replacement under normal conditions.

Photo of Orenco stormwater catch basin, lid, & filter

Stormwater

Orenco Stormwater Catch Basins provide a durable, cost-effective alternative to a concrete or steel catch basin. Their lightweight, durable PVC and fiberglass construction makes them quick to install, and their easy-to-remove filter screens make them simple to service and maintain.

Recent Comments

The EcoVillage at Currumbin, an international award-winning project, uses AdvanTex® Treatment Systems and accessories to produce water for non-potable uses.

-Prix d’Excellence Award