Safety Features
The domestic BioCycle provides an air space that can accept an additional 1800 litres, should the irrigation pump not to be able to pumpout for any reason. In the average household, this gives one to two days safety margin.
The BioCycle system includes an alarm. An alarm plate (audio-visual) is installed within the house, and this should be situated in a visible location. The alarm plate is similar to an ordinary light switch, with two coloured lights. A switch is provided to 'mute' the alarm after we have been contacted in case of an alarm activation.
The two lights indicate:
- High water level alarm — designed to sound if the water level in the irrigation chamber reaches a certain level. This indicates that the submersive pump is malfunctioning or the filter is blocked and needs cleaning.
- Air pressure alarm — designed to sound if the blower ceases to operate.
You must contact us as soon as possible and certainly within 24 hours if the alarm is activated.
Telephone 0800 246 292 or 0800 BioCycle.
An accredited installer or service personnel will respond to your call.
Local Authority
BioCycle first gained approval in New South Wales in 1985. There are now now approaching 30,000 domestic BioCycle systems in operation around the world.
Approvals have been gained in New Zealand from all regional councils or unitary authorities where systems are now installed and operating. The installation of a BioCycle system is viewed by councils as a preferred method of waste management.
Final Effluent Quality
The World Health Organisation standard for above ground disposal require the following standards to be used:
- BOD 5
- Suspend solids 30mg/L
- Faecal coliforms 30cfu/100ml
Tests undertaken by an independent labratory have shown the system performs comfortably within this standard.
Domestic Irrigation Specifications
The irrigation water is discharged via a polythene pipe through a series of drip emitters. The area for irrigation varies, depending on site conditions and influent loading. Innovative planning can provide genuine landscaping benefits. Trees and plants will absorb not only the liquid, but will feed on the nutrients in the effluent. The correct area is determined by several factors, including ground conditions, climate, ground covering etc. We can advise you on the desirable area to allocate for irrigation after inspecting your site.
The area you designate for irrigation should have a minimum cover of 100mm of soil or other suitable absorptive material. Your BioCycle installer will install valves to allow 'split' irrigation areas. The system is designed to ensure that at least one irrigation area is always available.
Irrigation of vegetable gardens should be avoided. Discharge or run-off into stormwater or other drainage channels is subject to council consent. All effluent must be disposed of within the boundaries of the property, unless approval is otherwise granted.
The irrigation area should have a vegetation cover. If the irrigation area consists of shrubs and natives with a plant cover of 40%, we estimate a transpiration rate of about 30% of deposited water.
