frequently asked questions

Q: Has the Newtreat Super System met the South Australian EPA on-board grey water treatment system discharge standards?
A:  Yes, and to-date we believe the Newtreat Super System is the only system to achieve these rigorous standards.

Q: What are the key features of the Newtreat Super System?
A: The Newtreat Super System:

• Is the first (and to date ONLY) system to meet the South Australian Environment Protection Authority’s (EPA) stringent on-board discharge standards for vessels travelling on our State’s inland waters.
• Can be ordered immediately and is already being used within South Australia’s commercial houseboat fleet
• Is sleek, aesthetically pleasing and relatively light (the onboard treatment chamber weighs around 80 kilograms – much less than mooted competitive products)
• Has been designed with a minimum number of (easy to access!) serviceable components
• Does not require any caustic chemical additives
• Has been designed to enable easy ” houseboat turnaround “ to minimise the time requirements placed on houseboat owners and managers
• Was awarded the 2009 Water Industry Alliance “Innovation of the Year” Award – sponsored by the Australian Water Industry

Q: Have any Newtreat Super Systems been installed on commercial houseboats?
A: Yes, we have installed, trialled, tested and “handed over” a system on “Anytime” houseboat based at Customs House Houseboats, Paringa (via Renmark). Several other units have been committed to commercial vessels.

Q: Exactly how does the Newtreat treatment process work and what does it involve?
A: Grey water from kitchens, bathrooms and laundries is diverted to a “storage” pipe(s) or tank generally located under the vessel – as is the common practice with “black water.”
(Newtreat recommends the use of standard DWV/300mm x 6 metre/PVC pipe(s). One length of 300mm x 6m “holding pipe” could be expected to hold around 424 litres of untreated grey water. With a weight of around 424 kilograms when, and if ever, full.)

PLEASE NOTE:  In respect to the amount of grey water storage capacity, Newtreat is following requirements contained within Australian Standard AS 4995 – 200X “Grey water treatment systems for vessels operated on inland waters.”
The Australian Standard [Treated grey water A5.4(c)] stipulates: “Grey water treatment systems incorporating a pre-treatment storage facility shall be capable of storing 75% of the daily capacity and then treat as per the manufacturer’s instructions.”
The Australian Standard [Capacity A2.2] also stipulates: The volume of grey water capable of being treated by the system is based on a minimum production rate of 150L per person per day. For example, a 12 berth vessel will produce 1800 L/day (i.e. 12 x 150 L = 1800 L/day).

The grey water is then pumped to Newtreat’s stainless steel treatment unit, located where convenient, on-deck.  The Newtreat treatment chamber contains a patented Electrolytic Treatment Module (plate) which treats water by controlled electro-chemical reaction. 
Once treated, the water is sent to a settling tank. Prior to discharge into the river, the clean water passes through a filter and then ultraviolet light to complete the process.
After every ten treatment processes “inert sludge” emanating from the rigorous treatment process is sent to a separate (recommended) 300mm x 3 metre “sludge holding pipe” where it sits prior to “pump out” at the completion of the journey i.e. vessel turn around.
(As little as 4 litres per person per day of sludge – the equivalent to one toilet flush – is produced.)

Q: What are the dimensions of the on deck Newtreat Super System chamber?
A: Length: 2045mm; Height: 670mm; Width: 220mm

Q: How much grey water will the Newtreat system treat in a day?
A: The Standard Newtreat "SUPER SYSTEM" will treat over 2000 litres of grey water a day.

Q: What are the electrical requirements for the Newtreat Super System?
A: The power requirement for the standard "SUPER SYSTEM" is very low - typically drawing voltage similar to one standard light bulb.
In normal operation we would expect each treatment of 60L of grey water to consume an average of 60W for 40 mins with a peak usage of 125 w for 2 mins.
More specifically, the electrical requirements internally are 12V @ 12A (max allowed for electrolysis treatment of the grey water and operation of the pumps), 24V @6A for operation of the control components (relays and PLC) and 20W (240V) for operation of the UV filter.
In order that only one electrical input is needed, we have standardised a single 240V input. The system internally converts this to the required voltages.
(Please note: There are many inverters available to provide 240V.  350W
inverters are available from WES components for about $80.)

Q: What does Newtreat Supply in its package?
A: Newtreat supplies the stainless steel treatment system located on board the vessel. Newtreat also supplies the treatment system controller (box) and the electrical wiring loom.

Q: What does the Newtreat Super System package cost?
A: $ AU 9,240 GST inclusive.

Q: Who installs the unit and undertakes the associated plumbing and what does that cost?
A: Obviously, the houseboat must be slipped so plumbing can be undertaken. Newtreat can recommend installers/slip operators at Mannum, Morgan, Renmark/Berri and Mildura. Installers are the only people who can provide a quote on the costs associated with this work.  All vessels are different and the installation costs will naturally be determined by the grey water “capture” and connection required i.e. some vessels have one or two bathrooms – others have up to six ensuites.