Does anyone have one of these systems or familiar with them?
"Bio-Aqua Wastewater treatment system."
We've been informed that tradional leach field septic systems are no longer approved in our area (?). Individual treatment plants are required for all
homes. "All black water treatment systems that discharge water into or onto the terrain must have approval of the CNA. (National Commission of Water)
" according to one source.
This is one type of home sewage treatment system that was recommended. The "treatment Plant uses an 80-watt pump that will run on direct solar power
or via your inverter. "
There is a distributor /installer in La Paz.
Here's the link to their website.
[Edited on 5-5-2005 by latitude26n]latitude26n - 5-7-2005 at 08:11 AM
Quote:
Originally posted by Bob and Susan
Hey...
Bet you never thought you would have to become an expert on soooo many things...just to build a home....
Septic
You're not kidding Bob and Susan. All these years of just pushing the handle and forgetting about it.
The biology consultants are coming out to do the Environmental Impact study in 1 week and we just found out that our conventional leach field/tanks
style septic
system will not be approved.
Once again we've been waiting forever for them to get the ball rolling and now we're scrambling to learn what other options are available!! ayee yay
yaycomitan - 5-7-2005 at 09:08 AM
latitude------The only one I know of the people are not here, it is now disconnected and they are using a regular septic tank. The problem was they
are not here all of the time and the system has to be run and a certain amount of affluents put into it or it becomes a problem. This is all second
hand info but its all I can find out.latitude26n - 5-7-2005 at 09:41 AM
Thanks comitan that is helpful because it alerted us to look in to that important aspect.
Our system will go unused 4-5 months out of the year also.
If we go with this system, we have to get another solar panel (or at least get on the waiting list again) and will have to get an inverter since they
only have AC pumps. We hadn't planned on buying the inverter until we start on the main house in a few years (by then we could more accurately
determine the size we need).
Another unexpected $8000 dollars for the caca comitan - 5-7-2005 at 09:56 AM
Latitude---Maybe you could buy and bring down one of those composting toilets then you would only have the gray water to worry about.
Bio-Aqua treatment system
latitude26n - 5-7-2005 at 03:26 PM
Here's the info from the company.
Does anybody have one?
Bio-Ingenier?a Internacional, S.A. de C.V.
Especialistas en Medio Ambiente, Tratamiento y Reuso de Agua
Sonora 1115 esq. M. Rubio, La Paz, B.C.S. 23060, MEXICO
(612) 122-1509 / 123-3409 / www.bioinge.com , bioinge@prodigy.net.mx.
Dear Mr. latitude:
We are pleased to offer you a BIO-AQUA? Wastewater Treatment System. Our systems are a proven, economical and environmentally responsible way to
approach long-term sustainable development by recycling the water and avoiding pollution of groundwater, streams, beaches, wetlands, lakes and wells.
There are several prime reasons to select BIO-AQUA? :
? Absolutely Odor-Free Aerobic System: The aerobic system does not produce disagreeable odors like anaerobic systems vgr. Septic Tanks, Enzymatic
Tanks, Anaerobic Bio-Reactors, Anaerobic Sand Filters, etc.
? You do not need to build a Septic Tank: Our systems will be connected directly to sewer. Therefore, the total cost of our systems is lower than
other systems that separate gray water or use a septic tank to pre-treat the sewage.
? Recycle Water on Irrigation. Without additional cost you can use the effluent for garden and landscape irrigation. It is safe for you and the
environment.
? Effluent Meets Mexico and USEPA Regulatory Requirements: Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Total Suspended Solids (TSS) and Total Coliforms (TC) will
be lowest than official requirements.
? BIO-AQUA? Systems are on accordance with the Baja Environmental State Law (Article 56) that forbids Septic Tanks and does compulsory the
installation of Aerobic Systems to be able to recycle the effluent on garden irrigation.
? Sun Power Capable: Because their very low energy requirements (BF-2: 130 Watts @ 110 V), If your home does not counts with conventional electricity,
the BIO-AQUA? modules can be powered with photovoltaic systems.
? Automatic Programmable Controls: If the home will be alone for long time, you can change the programmable timer easily to reduce the energy
consumption.
? Accepts Overloads: When you offer a party, do not worry! The system can manage the transitory higher flow rate.
? Very Strong, No corrosive, Lightweight and Reusable FRP tank: Does is not necessary to build a concrete or block wall to install the FRP tank.
Moreover, if it is necessary, you can move the tank and reuse it at another site.
? Low Maintenance Requirement: The biosolids surplus is very low; it will accumulate a lower rate than a septic tank. The estimated minimal time to
pump biosolids is from 3 to 5 years. In addition, the wholly digested Biosolids are useful to make garden compost.
? State-of-the-art Technology: These systems process sewage more efficiently than typical systems. Effluent quality is comparable to that obtained by
the top 5% of major full-sized municipal treatment plants.
? Experience: There are installed over two hundred BIO-AQUA? modules on Baja.
? Local Servicing Available 24 Hours: We offer a permanent stock of spare parts and can offer you a low-time reparation and maintenance service.
PROPOSED SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
Model: BF-2.
Dimensions: 2.40 X 1.70 X 1.70 m.
Maximum capacity of treatment: 500 gpd (8 people)*
Material of Tanks: Reinforced Fiber Glass (FRP).
Process: Aerated Submersed Biofilters
* If you are using a garbage disposal machine in kitchen sink, then assume one (1) people equivalent for three (3) ea people that live on home and it
is necessary to add them to estimate the total served people.
PROPOSAL
? One (1) BF-2 BIO-AQUA? Wastewater Treatment Module.
? One (1) Chlorine Tablets Feeder for disinfecting effluent.
? One (1) package of disinfecting SANURIL? or AQUAWARD? tablets for the start up.
? One (1) Gallon of ELBAC? culture bacteria (non-pathogenic to human) to increase efficience of biological processing of sewage.
? One (1) operation and maintenance manual.
? One (1) package: Freight, installation, connection and start up.
TOTAL PRICE : $ 4,482.90 US Dollars + IVA
TERMS
? Payment: 60% to order, 25% at delivery time and balance at installation fulfillment.
? Estimated delivery time and installation: 2 weeks.
? Warranty:
a) FRP Tank: Ten (10) years.
b) Electrical equipment: One (1) year.
c) Effluent: will meet Mexican Ecological Requirements (NOM-003-ECOL-1997) to effluent recycling on garden irrigation.
d) Odor & Noise free: If the power is on, you do not will have odor trouble.
? The customer must dig the earth hole (2.90 L x 2.00 W x 1.60 D, meters) and build the concrete slab at the bottom. This way is to avoid increasing
our price by the carry-on of excavation equipment. We will send you drawings to do the hole.
? The customer is responsible for bringing the sewage and effluent tube to the tank and an electrical line of 110 V (AC) to the control box that will
be installed on a close wall.
BIO-INGENIER?A INTERNATIONAL comes with a professional background of 30 years and is the first Environmentalist Company established in Baja, since
1989. We are offering you the advantage of working with professionals and look forward to serving you in the near future.
Happiness in the tank
latitude26n - 5-7-2005 at 04:41 PM
Bummer.
We're going to need 2 or 3 more solar panels and batteries just to run the pump for this Bio-Aqua system and this one is supposed to be energy
efficient. The pump for 5 person household is 85 watts and the pump for 8 people needs 130w/hour.
The pump ( or more accurately, the compressor) has to run 12-18 hours per day and apparently it aerates, or somehow aggitates the effluent and
promotes aerobic bacteria rather than the usual anaerobic conditions found in the tank. Somehow this results in cleaner water as the final product
which can be used as irrigation if desired.
Mr. latitiude spoke to the rep in Georgia who said that these systems can be dormant for periods of time without problems and would only require an
enzyme treatment be added when you return to stimulate the "Happiness" in the septic system as my neighbor Laura calls it.
Does anyone have friends who live in Cabo Pulmo?
The company in La Paz who sells this Bio-Aqua system says that they've installed quite a few out there.
If you know someone who lives there would you mind asking how they like their pooper??comitan - 5-7-2005 at 06:49 PM
Susan needs the stuff to GO AWAY...this is 2005latitude26n - 5-7-2005 at 07:04 PM
Quote:
[ GOOD comment! I do not understand, especially in a desert environment where water is a precious commodity, why folks are still stuck
in the flush toilet mindset.
--Larry
I've never designed or lived in a "sustainable" off-the-grid home and if "waste management" was covered in the books we've gotten to try and learn
about this lifestyle, I admit I probably skipped those chapters. So I don't know enough to even know what the options are.
The Bio-Aqua set up was highly recommended so I wanted to exhaust that research before seeing if there were alternative methods of poop handling.
Plus, I'm a "girl". The only reason I know aerobic from anaerobic is because I'm a nurse.
[Edited on 5-8-2005 by latitude26n]Bob and Susan - 5-7-2005 at 07:21 PM
Hey...
Bet you never thought you would have to become an expert on soooo many things...just to build a home....
Septiccomitan - 5-7-2005 at 07:41 PM
I think this site is much more descriptive, the unit only uses 55 watts 24hr peroid, there are no oders, only dust left for garden.comitan - 5-7-2005 at 07:44 PM
Latitude----Before you make a large investment on sewage system I would expect to see something in writing from CNA before making an unesessary
investment. If an architect or contractor is telling you this he may have a vested interest.jeffw - 10-5-2005 at 09:42 AM
I have one of these units and it is new, seems to be working great!
Bio-inge has provided excellent service so far!
No smell, and very quiet.....
Bio Aqua
Denver - 1-21-2006 at 07:12 AM
Quote:
Originally posted by jeffw
I have one of these units and it is new, seems to be working great!
Bio-inge has provided excellent service so far!
No smell, and very quiet.....
Jeff,
Do you have AC power to run the unit? I like the system, but was worried about running it off DC solar. Also, did you contract directly with Bio
Ing. to supply/install or was there another subcontractor/installer. Who can I speak with at Bio Inge.
Thanks and best regards,
DenverPompano - 1-21-2006 at 07:58 AM
Denver, we also use these..and our neighbors, NOLS, uses the Clivus system. They needed a larger system because of their number of instructors and
visiting students. The Clivus has been in operation since 1995. These work very well and water is used for irrigation of palms, plants, and
flowers.
There are pros and cons.....but anything to help the environment suits us.
[Edited on 1-21-2006 by Pompano]Pompano - 1-21-2006 at 08:32 AM
Grover..right on with the 'additives'....we used to keep our old multi-chambered septic happy with a roadkill now and then. Mucho bacteria...nothing
like a 4-5 day old carcass.oladulce - 1-21-2006 at 09:07 AM
Pompano, Do you keep the fan running when you're gone for months at a time? How's the system upon your return?
Did you dedicate a room to the Processing plant of your composting toilet ?
clivus vs. bio aqua
Denver - 1-22-2006 at 06:54 AM
Pompano,
It's nice to hear you're using the Bio agua too. Bio Agua looks good for a flat site, because you can bury it. The composting systems look like they
would work well in a house with basement; or on a sloping site you could build a small shed down hill from the source to house the composting unit.
