Eco Plumbing & Water Solutions - Frequently Asked Questions.

What is the potential for this product Australia wide?
EcoNova products are approved in all states and have the potential to drought proof Australia for the future and provide other International regions with safe water.

What makes EcoNova water recycling different from conventional sewage treatment?
EcoNova systems use membrane filtration. Membranes are very fine filters and act as a physical barrier, ensuring all particles larger than 0.2/1000 mm stay behind.

What is the size and weight of the system?
The NovaClear domestic system is easily transported and installed. It is only 2.2m in diameter, 2.4 metres high and weighs only 380kg. We transport them on the back of an average size utility or trailer. This is vastly different from other systems typically made of concrete or are extremely large and cumbersome. NovaClear provides a smaller installation footprint with higher water quality.

What does germ free water mean? Isn't 99.999% water almost perfect?
NovaClear uses MembraneSafe™ technology - this means that water passes through micro-filtration membranes and germs are removed resulting in recycled water that we call SafeWater™. We survey a large number of systems with ongoing (independent) laboratory testing. On a regular basis these tests show 100% bacteria removal.
Water Recycling Guidelines require a log 5 reduction of pathogens/germs for water to be suitable for reuse - in scientific terms this translates to 99.999% Germ Free.

Can you drink NovaClear “SafeWater”? Why not?
Although NovaClear's end water product, SafeWater is 99.999% germ free, current state government regulations do not allow its use for human consumptive purposes. NovaClear SafeWater is better than potable water standards in many countries and is endorsed by the state government for above ground irrigation (check details with your local council.)

Other Questions

Why can SafeWater only be used for irrigation in most areas?
In a domestic application, SafeWater™ is not yet fully recognised by state government authorities for these uses. Most authorities and regulations allow irrigation reuse into designated areas only. With water restrictions and drought conditions limiting the Australian lifestyle, this is a total waste of the world's most valuable resource. We are confident that, in the future, extended domestic usage will be endorsed by authorities. Selected household reuse has been approved in some locations.

Are there any restrictions in the household cleaners that can be used?
There are almost no limitations on the household cleaners that can be used with your NovaClear™ system, as long as proper dilutions of the cleaners are maintained. NovaClear relies on a fully natural, biological process and excessive use of chemicals can disrupt the balance, resulting in sludge buildup. The water quality remains safe at all times.

Will it ever be endorsed by the authorities for reuse in the household?
In time, EcoNova envisages domestic usage will be extended from above ground irrigation use to other domestic applications such as toilet flushing, laundry, swimming pool top ups, washing the car, washing pets.
Commercially the technology is already proving very successful in these applications.

What about proposed state government projects such as dams? Could your technology assist in stopping these projects proceeding?
EcoNova, as a company, is committed to conserving and recycling water wherever possible.
Potentially, wide-spread use of our products would reduce the need for the construction of large scale potable water infrastructure or any projects that are intended to supply reticulated potable water.

Does the NovaClear™ system produce odours?

No odours are produced by the NovaClear™ system. The system is a non septic full aeration design.

What are the preventative maintenance periods?
Current legislation states that 3 preventative maintenance services are carried out in QLD, SA & NT per year, whilst in NSW, VIC & Tas 4 preventative maintenance services are required.

What are the ongoing operational costs?
The average electrical costs are $300 per year, which equates to 82 cents per day. Service / preventative maintenance contract costs vary per region. The average service is about $100.

Why can't Bacteria and viruses pass through the membranes?
Bacteria are simply too big to pass through. Viruses (which can sometimes be smaller than bacteria) usually do NOT travel by themselves, they are embedded in bacteria, which they use as hosts to reproduce. If you catch the bacteria, you catch the virus.

Who grades this water?
EcoNova's MembraneSafe™ technology was developed with support from three leading Universities.
Testing is carried out by independent bodies. The System has been granted state approvasl and local approval before installation should be easy to obtain.

Can you put food down the drain into the system?
Small amounts of food (eg. from dish washing and sink usage) are fine.