Waterloo Biofilter Systems

Waterloo Biofilter® Systems for Massachusetts

Exclusive Massachusetts Distributor for the Waterloo Biofilter®

Treating wastewater comes with real challenges. Traditional systems can be bulky, inefficient, and a headache to maintain. That’s why today’s advanced solutions are such game-changers; they offer powerful treatment options without the usual complications.

The Waterloo Biofilter® System stands out as one of these revolutionary solutions, and Clear Water Industries has become a leading provider of these remarkable systems throughout Massachusetts. We’ve picked this product for a reason — we only partner with quality manufacturers because you deserve nothing less. You can count on the Waterloo Biofilter System for efficient wastewater management that just works, plain and simple.

What Is the Waterloo Biofilter® System?

The Waterloo Biofilter system is a compact, reliable, low-maintenance septic system that has been fully approved in Massachusetts.

While conventional septic systems use a tile bed to treat and dispose of septic tank effluent, the Waterloo Biofilter system uses a highly efficient, patented filter medium to provide a consistent, high-level treatment, making disposal in the soil easy.

This system is especially effective for difficult sites, such as small lots, heavy clay soils, shallow or exposed bedrock, and high water tables, such as those in the New England coastal areas.

How Does it Work?

The Waterloo Biofilter® system is a single-pass aerobic biofilter designed for the biological treatment of wastewater. The patented process utilizes an absorbent synthetic filter medium designed to optimize the biological degradation of wastewater. Natural microbial action in the filter medium is enhanced by its high porosity, large available surface area, excellent airflow characteristics, and ease of microbial attachment. The filter medium has optimized flow characteristics, which allow for a high loading rate and compact size. Allowable loading rates are typically 10 times greater than sand filters or soils. The Biofilter typically removes 90-98% BOD, 90-99% TSS, 50-60% TN, and 98-99% coliform bacteria.

Poranim - WasteWater in Ipswich, MA
The Waterloo Biofilter® synthetic filter medium allows separate flow paths for air and wastewater. The result is effective treatment and high loading rates.
Sandanim - WasteWater in Ipswich, MA
Traditional trickling filters (sand) rely on solid particles as a filter medium. This limits the airflow and wastewater flow to the biomat and the filters’ effectiveness.
One Pump - Septic Systems in Ipswich, MA

The septic tank treats raw sewage by fermentation (just like making beer or wine). As such, it is important not to kill the bacteria that carry on this process by using excessive disinfectants in the household.

An effluent filter on the septic outlet screens out large particles, ensuring effective treatment by the Biofilter®.

The pump chamber collects septic tank effluent, which is sprayed onto the Biofilter® on a timed basis.

The Biofilter® consists of a patented absorbent filter medium contained in patented mesh baskets, which are sized according to your daily waste use.

Two Pump - Septic Systems in Ipswich, MA

The Biofilter® medium houses beneficial microbes that degrade and oxidize organic pollutants, coliform bacteria, ammonium, and other contaminants in septic tank effluent.

The Biofilter® unit may be placed above or below ground.

The treated effluent is disposed of in a pressure distribution disposal bed or trench.

Summary of System Performance - Maintenance in Ipswich, MA

Waterloo Biofilter® System Performance

For a normal household, the expected effluent quality is 0 to 15 mg/L BOD or cBOD (organic matter), 0 to 10 mg/L total suspended solids (TSS), 20-60% total nitrogen removal, and 98-99% fecal coliform removal.

The Table to the left summarizes the Waterloo Biolfilter® system performance.

Proven Applications of the Biofilter® Technology

  • Successful sewage treatment in difficult sites
  • Municipal wastewater polishing after alum pre-treatment
  • Landfill leachate treatment with on-site disposal
  • Large trailer parks, golf courses, and Apartment/Condo complex systems
  • Remedial and General Approval in Massachusetts
  • Provisional use approval for nitrogen reduction

Advantages of the Waterloo Biofilter®

  • Low Maintenance: The non-biodegradable filter medium normally does not require cleaning or changing (expected life span is 20-30 years).
  • Low energy: A small intermittent pump is the only energy requirement.
  • No noise: The Waterloo Biofilter has no noisy air blowers or mixers.
  • Recoverable: Easy to recover if the septic tank fails, unlike sand filters or conventional tile beds.
  • Various configurations: The versatility of the Biofilter® minimizes tree cutting and excavation, and it will fit your requirements, not the other way around.
  • Arctic or Caribbean: Developed and operated with Canada’s winter in mind, Biofilter® is applicable to New England.
  • Small footprint: Effective treatment in an area 5-10 times smaller than that of sand, soil, or peat beds and 10-50 times smaller with re-circulation or deeper beds, especially useful for larger systems.
  • Bedrock, clay, swamp, small lot: Our small Biofilter® and new disposal means can be placed virtually anywhere, making it a perfect application for seacoast regions or lakeside homes.
  • No solids production: Our unique aerobic-anoxic trickle filter process produces no sludge to pump out.
  • High hydraulic loading: The Biofilter® has no hydraulic limitations. Unlike sand, soil, or peat, it will not plug or flood due to infiltration caused by groundwater or leaky toilets.
  • Approval for General Use in Massachusetts for new construction: The required disposal area for residential systems is reduced by 50%.
  • Approval for Remedial Use in Massachusetts: Allows for reductions in soil absorption system size, groundwater separation distance, and requirement of four feet of naturally occurring previous material.
  • Approval for Provisional Use in Massachusetts as a Nitrogen reducing system.

Why the Waterloo Biofilter® Beats Traditional Systems

The Waterloo Biofilter System blows traditional wastewater treatment out of the water. For starters, it uses way less energy than conventional systems, which immediately means money back in your pocket month after month.

Another significant advantage is space. These systems take up about half the footprint of traditional options, which means more usable space for your property. The absorbent foam filtration media sets this system apart as well, as it tackles wastewater treatment without needing chemicals or additives that might harm the environment.

Maintenance? Much simpler. You’ll deal with fewer mechanical parts that can break down, and the self-cleaning design means less hands-on attention. The system handles flow variations remarkably well, so those usage spikes won’t throw it off balance like they would with older technology.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much maintenance does the Waterloo Biofilter® System need?

The Waterloo system requires less maintenance than traditional setups, as you usually only need annual pumpouts. Maintenance visits may involve checking the pump, cleaning filters, and making sure everything is running properly. Between these visits, you simply need to glance at the system indicator lights to check that they’re green.

How does the system perform in Massachusetts winters?

The Waterloo system was practically made for tough New England winters. It keeps working smoothly even when temperatures drop below freezing and can even maintain treatment levels in temperatures down to -50°C without the need to heat raw sewage. The filter media doesn’t freeze as liquid systems might, and the aerobic bacteria continue breaking down waste even in cold conditions. The system’s components are insulated, and the biological processes efficiently help maintain performance. We’ve installed these systems throughout Massachusetts and watched them perform consistently year-round.

How does the Waterloo Biofilter® handle natural peaks and valleys of water usage?

The Waterloo Biofilter® shines because it handles the peaks and valleys of household water usage better than most systems. When everyone takes showers before work, does laundry on weekends, or hosts holiday gatherings, the system adapts without missing a beat. Property owners love the quiet operation — no loud pumps or equipment disrupting your peace and quiet. Many also appreciate the system’s small footprint, which preserves yard space for gardens, play areas, or patios. Plus, the lower power consumption translates directly to lower bills month after month.

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Learn More About What We Do

Clear Water Industries proudly provides the Waterloo Biofilter® System, along with other products like Orenco Onsite Wastewater Products. We also offer effective and timely septic system maintenance.

Learn More About the Waterloo Biofilter® System With Clear Water Industries

The Waterloo Biofilter® System gives you reliable, eco-friendly wastewater treatment that truly works. You’ll save on energy costs, use less space, and deal with fewer headaches than traditional systems. Plus, you’ll be ahead of the curve on Massachusetts regulations! Give us a call today to learn more about the Waterloo Biofilter® System.