Coerco’s Aquarius®-powered Alternative Treatment Units (ATUs) are designed to work harmoniously with the environment. They rely on natural aerobic and anaerobic bacteria to break down waste such as carbon compounds, especially harmful carbon hydrates and nutrients, ultimately reducing BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) levels.

What is BOD

BOD or Biochemical Oxygen Demand is the amount of oxygen required to remove waste organic matter from water through decomposition by aerobic bacteria. BOD can come from various sources such as leaves, woody debris, dead plants and animals, animal manure, effluent, etc. It is essential to have lesser levels of BOD as high levels of BOD can be harmful to the environment.

What to Avoid

Coerco’s Aquarius®-powered Alternative Treatment Units rely on natural bacteria to help break down wastes so it’s important to avoid using harsh chemicals that can disrupt this process.

Chemicals like bleach, chlorine, and those with antibacterial properties can harm the beneficial bacteria in your system. High phosphorus or salt content in washing powders can also lead to odours and damage the system over time.

Residential and commercial facilities should be mindful when using soaps and washing powders, which can be left in garden areas when utilising ATUs. Please ensure that substances that are not biocompatible or biodegradable do not enter the system as these can cause problems.

Some examples are:

• Rainwater from roofs and yards
• Infiltration water like the ones from drainage
• Liquid and solid residue due to animal wastes
• Commercial or agricultural wastewater
• Chemicals, pharmaceuticals, mineral oils and solvents
• Cooling water
• Food waste, plastics, hygiene articles, coffee filters, bottle tops, and other domestic items
• Dairy products
• Water discharged from swimming pools
• Large quantities of blood (Such as from raw animal meat processing)

Domestic wastewater substances are the only ones that can enter the system safely. Fortunately, environmentally friendly products are readily available from many specialty outlets. There’s an increase in ATU usage by supermarkets and many eco-friendly washing products with “Greywater-friendly” labels or something similar are available in stock.

For more information on laundry product testing and phosphorous-free detergents, you can contact our customer service team and we’ll be happy to advise you.

What You Can Use

We recommend using environmentally friendly cleaning products. Natural options like white vinegar, baking soda, and lemon-based cleaners are excellent. Regularly flushing your toilet with baking soda can help maintain pH levels and control odours. Flushing 1 cup of soda bicarbonate down the toilet once a week is a reliable and safe way of maintaining Coerco Aerobic Treatment Systems by Aquarius®. 1 cup of soda bicarbonate helps keep ph levels balanced and lessens sulphide odour.

For more information on laundry product testing and phosphorous-free detergents, check https://www.envirocareearth.com.au/ or http://www.lanfaxlabs.com.au/. 

Companies like Envirocare™ Earth, Tri Nature, and Amway Australia, specialise in providing eco-friendly products. While Planet Ark does not offer such products, they endorse a couple of merchants that provide environmentally friendly products.

Who Carries Out Servicing?

All servicing of Coerco’s Aquarius-powered Alternative Treatment Units (ATUs) should be performed by an approved and licensed service agent. Coerco has a dedicated network of Department of Health-registered installers and service agents throughout Western Australia. These professionals are trained to ensure your ATU is properly maintained, offering routine servicing, troubleshooting, and repairs to keep the system operating efficiently and in compliance with regulatory standards.

Proper Waste Disposal is Important

Remember, your wastewater treatment system isn't a trash can. Avoid flushing anything besides human waste and toilet paper.

This includes but is not limited to:

• Grease or oil
• Wipes
• Photographic solutions
• Feminine hygiene care products
• Condoms
• Dental Floss
• Diapers
• Cigarette butts
• Coffee grounds
• Cat Litter
• Paper towels
• Pharmaceuticals
• Chemicals like gasoline, pesticides, anti-freeze, paint, or paint thinners

On Handling Grease and Oil

If you need to dispose of large volumes of grease or plant-based oils, consider investing in our robust Grease Arrestor, an efficient way to prevent grease and plant-based oils from entering your drainage system.

Incorporate Natural Enzymes

Coerco highly recommends introducing natural bacteria and enzymes, like those found in Zoxzyme, which can enhance the performance of your ATU or septic system. These enzymes help break down waste, reduce odours, and maintain optimal biological activity as they enhance the growth of certain bacteria which helps lessen BOD levels.

By following these guidelines and using environmentally friendly products, you can ensure the longevity and efficiency of your Coerco Aquarius®-powered Alternative Treatment Units.