frequently asked questions

Q: What are the dimensions of the on deck Newtreat Super System chamber?
A: Length: 2045mm; Height: 670mm; Width: 220mm
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Q: What are the electrical requirements for the Newtreat Super System?
A: To simplify installation, the system has been designed to plug into a single 240 volt outlet available on most vessels.
It is preferable that the inverter providing the 240 volts from the vessels battery system be pure sine wave with at least 800 watts capacity. However, alternative mode inverters may be used – please contact us to discuss your individual power solution if you do not have pure sine wave.
The treatment system typically draws about 200 watts (roughly equal to 2 light bulbs) which occasionally rises to 400 watts during brief pumping operations.
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Q: Has the Newtreat Super System met the South Australian EPA discharge standards?
A: Yes, the Newtreat Super System was the first system to achieve these.

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

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 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
Is totally electrically isolated and cannot, under any circumstances, contribute to corrosion

Q: Have any Newtreat Super Systems been installed on commercial houseboats?
A: Yes, several are now installed and in operation. Please contact us for specific details.

Q: How does the system work?
A: The Newtreat treatment chamber contains a patented Electrolytic Treatment Module (plate) which treats water by controlled electro-chemical reaction.
The electrolytic system consists of an array of plates. These plates are iron and aluminium.
The iron electrodes energise first driving iron ions into the solution. These ions combine with chemical impurities precipitating them from the solution in a very insoluble form. Heavy metals, fats and greases, volatile organic compounds and other pollutants are removed.
Then the aluminium electrodes energise driving aluminium into the solution to clarify it. This has the same effect as adding alum.
Then the solution is gently pumped into the second chamber for settling.
After settling the clear water is polished by a cartridge filter before passing through an ultra violet disinfection system to kill any remaining bacteria.
Q: How much greywater do we have to be able to store?
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 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 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).
Each 6m length of 300mm SWV pipe will hold 424 litres, so a 10 berth vessel will need (1035/424) 2.4 lengths of pipe.

The following table may be of assistance in designing the greywater storage for your vessel.

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: How much grey water will the Newtreat system treat in a day?
A: The Standard Newtreat "SUPER SYSTEM" will treat over 2500 litres of grey water a day.

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: 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.