Treating Sewage, Recovering Resources: The Sustainable HYDROS Approach

Off-grid sewage treatment presents unique challenges, with businesses and developers navigating complex approval processes that require rigorous environmental assessments and strict regulatory compliance, posing both operational and financial risks. 

Remote Australian councils and communities face logistical and financial hurdles in maintaining traditional sewage systems, often constrained by limited resources while ensuring the protection of sensitive environments. Facility managers in sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and industry need reliable, low-maintenance solutions that adapt to fluctuating sewage volumes while safeguarding compliance and operational continuity. Sustainability advocates highlight the environmental risks of inadequate treatment and the untapped potential of Scarce Resource Recovery (SRR), which transforms sewage treatment into an opportunity for resource efficiency and environmental regeneration. 

Engineered for Australian Off-Grid Environments 

The demand for smart, modular, and sustainable sewage treatment solutions is critical for businesses, councils, and developers seeking compliance, long-term reliability, and environmental responsibility outside traditional sewer infrastructure. 

HYDROS by Aubin Environmental offers a future-proof approach to smart sewage treatment, designed to meet diverse application needs. Developed over a decade, this Australian-made system provides a complete sewage treatment solution for commercial-scale organisations that are not connected to the main sewer. 

The New Standard for Sewage Treatment 

HYDROS is designed for seamless integration with existing infrastructure, such as septic tanks and grease traps, or as a standalone system with additional components like a surge buffer tank. Its compact shipping container footprint allows for straightforward installation, while ensuring high-performance treatment capabilities. 

Advanced Multi-Phase Treatment Process 

• Aerated digestion of raw contaminants (BOD and NH3) for efficient organic waste breakdown. 

• Anoxic digestion to support nutrient removal and de-nitrification, reducing environmental impact. 

• Gravity clarification to separate solids from treated water, ensuring a clean final effluent. 

• Disinfection via multi-pass UV or chlorine treatment, eliminating pathogens and ensuring compliance with discharge standards. 

  
  

Technology-Driven Efficiency & Remote Monitoring 

A key differentiator of HYDROS is its advanced monitoring capability. ROBOLAB, an automated remote-access water quality laboratory, provides 24/7 real-time monitoring of critical parameters such as ammonia, nitrate, nitrite, dissolved oxygen, and turbidity. This data allows for proactive system management and immediate response to fluctuations. Complementing ROBOLAB is WATCHDOG, a proprietary surveillance system that continuously tracks performance using sensors and CCTV, detecting potential issues before they arise. 

Streamlined Operations with Minimal Maintenance 

Remote access via ROBOLAB reduces the need for on-site expertise, allowing both clients and Aubin Environmental engineers to monitor system performance in real time. Automated alerts via email or SMS notify stakeholders of water quality deviations, equipment failures, or required maintenance, ensuring seamless operation. 

A live maintenance schedule generates proactive task lists, minimising unplanned downtime. The plug-and-play design enables easy installation with minimal disruption, allowing maintenance teams to replace faulty components without requiring specialist knowledge. This ensures that HYDROS remains one of the most user-friendly solutions available. 

Meeting Regulatory Compliance & Driving Sustainability 

HYDROS is engineered to meet all government and council regulations, providing a fully compliant and future-proof solution. Standard units consistently achieve better than Class C effluent quality, with custom configurations available for sites requiring higher treatment standards. 

Beyond compliance, HYDROS supports Scarce Resource Recovery (SRR) by capturing valuable nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus from treated sewage. These recovered resources can be repurposed for irrigation and land restoration, reinforcing HYDROS’ contribution to sustainable environmental management. By enabling the reuse of treated water, HYDROS reduces the environmental footprint of off-grid sites, supporting long-term sustainability goals. 

Real-World Applications & Benefits 

HYDROS has been successfully implemented across adventure camps, mining operations, caravan parks, and remote facilities. These locations benefit from a system that ensures compliance, reduces operational costs, and enhances environmental stewardship. 

Key Benefits of HYDROS: 

• Cost efficiency – Reduces maintenance and operational oversight, minimising on-site labour requirements. 

• Scalability – Modular configurations handle from 5,000 to 500,000 litres per day, enabling flexible system expansion. 

• Reliability – Remote monitoring, automated alerts, and a proactive maintenance framework prevent issues before they arise. 

• Environmental sustainability – Supports Scarce Resource Recovery (SRR), reduces ecological impact, and enables treated water reuse for land restoration and agriculture. 

A Smarter Approach to Off-Grid Sewage Treatment 

To learn more about how HYDROS can support your business or community, contact Aubin Environmental today.