What is HYDROS and How Does it Work?

For many remote communities, tourism sites and off-grid developments, managing sewage is a challenge. Without access to mains sewer, operators need a reliable, efficient and compliant way to treat sewage on site. 

HYDROS is Aubin Environmental’s answer to that challenge. It is a smart, compact, modular sewage treatment system that can be tailored to suit almost any location. In this article, we explain what HYDROS is, how it works and why so many people choose it as their preferred sewage treatment solution. 

What is the HYDROS System? 

HYDROS is a fully self-contained sewage treatment plant built inside a modified shipping container. It has been designed specifically for off-grid locations that are not connected to a mains or municipal sewer system. 

The system can either bolt onto an existing septic tank or be installed as a complete turnkey solution. Each HYDROS system is tailored to suit the specific needs of its site. Whether that means supporting a small campground or handling higher flows at mine sites, large caravan parks, or even off-grid housing developments, the modular design makes it adaptable and scalable. 

Once installed, HYDROS takes care of the entire treatment process with added support from our two built-in proprietary technologies: ROBOLAB and WATCHDOG. 

ROBOLAB is an automated remote testing laboratory built into the system. It runs tests on the treated water and uploads results to a secure cloud platform. This allows site operators and Aubin’s team to check performance in real time, giving added peace of mind for compliance and regulation requirements. 

WATCHDOG is a remote monitoring system that includes sensors and cameras. It continuously checks for faults, monitors conditions inside the treatment plant and alerts the relevant personnel if anything needs attention. Every moving part is paired with a twin, so if a WATCHDOG is triggered, and a part fails, its twin immediately takes over, buying valuable time to replace the failed part. 

Together, these technologies help ensure the system operates as expected and remains compliant with government regulations year-round. HYDROS units are currently used by remote communities, camps and eco-tourism operators, property developers and government sites across Australia 

What is the HYDROS System? 

The HYDROS system is designed to take care of your sewage in a clean, controlled and automated way. Once installed, it quietly handles the full treatment process from start to finish, without needing much day-to-day attention. 

Here is how it works (simplistically speaking). 

1. Sewage enters the system  Everything that goes down your toilets, sinks and showers flows into HYDROS. In most setups, it first passes through a grease trap (commercial kitchens) and/or septic tank. This helps separate out fats, oils and solids before the advanced treatment processes begin. 
   

2. Natural breakdown begins  Inside HYDROS, the sewage enters a treatment zone where air is added to the mix. This helps naturally occurring bacteria break down waste. Think of it like giving the system a controlled breath of fresh air to keep the treatment biology alive and working. 
   

3. Further cleaning without oxygen  Next, the water moves into a low-oxygen zone. Here, a different group of bacteria gets to work removing things like nitrogen and other nutrients that can be harmful in large amounts. This is an important part of making sure the treated water is safe for sensitive environments. 
   

4. Solids are separated  In the final stage of the treatment process, the bacteria that do all the work naturally settle at the bottom of the ‘clarifier’. What is left at the top is clear treated water that is almost ready to go. 
   

5. Disinfection for safety  Before anything leaves the system, it goes through a final purification stage. This involves UV light treatment to kill off any remaining germs or bacteria. 
   

6. Constant monitoring and control 

   Throughout this entire process, the system is constantly watched by two technologies: 

   ROBOLAB, which tests the water quality and uploads results automatically 

   WATCHDOG, which uses sensors and cameras to spot problems early and trigger alerts 

   If anything goes wrong, backup systems kick in, and Aubin engineers can access the system remotely to help. The result? Clean water that can be safely released into the environment or reused on site. 

Why Use HYDROS? 

Operators choose HYDROS for a range of practical reasons. 

1. Compliance 

   HYDROS is designed to meet all EPA,  state government and Council regulations for treated water discharge. That means less paperwork, easier approvals and confidence that the system will pass inspections. 

   
   

2. Simplicity 

   The system is plug-and-play. Once installed, it requires only basic maintenance that can be carried out by local staff or general contractors. You do not need to be a sewage expert to keep it running smoothly. 

   
   

3. Reliability 

   Because of its smart monitoring systems, HYDROS can identify problems early. This reduces the risk of major faults and helps prevent environmental breaches. Aubin’s team can also provide remote support at any time. 

   
   

4. Flexibility 

   Each system is custom built. That means you get a solution that is designed to suit your site, not a one size fits all approach. Whether you are running a campground or managing a growing development, HYDROS can scale to meet your needs. 

   
   

5. Ongoing Support You Can Rely On 

   Aubin’s philosophy of “No One Gets Left Behind” means long-term support is built into every HYDROS installation. From initial project planning through to everyday operations, our team is available to provide remote monitoring, technical guidance, and immediate assistance when issues arise. Whether it’s a question, a compliance matter, or unexpected conditions, we ensure you’re never left to manage the system alone. 

   
   

6. Sustainability 

   The treated water can be reused on site, reducing reliance on fresh water. In some locations, HYDROS systems have even been used to restore wetlands or irrigate community spaces. The process also helps recover valuable nutrients, supporting soil and plant health. 

HYDROS is a smart, automated sewage treatment system designed for real-world use. It offers a simple way to achieve compliance, reduce maintenance and support environmental goals. 

To learn more about how HYDROS can support your site or project, visit www.aubin.com.au or speak with our team.