Nitrogen reduction

Trademarked white Rewatec logo.

Boost the performance of your wastewater treatment system with our nitrogen reduction options. Proven and all-natural, these solutions protect public health and the environment from the damaging effects of nutrient contamination.

Rewatec nitrogen reduction septic system.
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nitrogen reduction septic system total protection
Total protection

Prevents property contamination

Preserves lakes and rivers

Protects public health

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nitrogen reduction septic system residential solutions
Residential solutions

Integrated with our Ecoflo compact biofilter

Compact and discreet

Never damages landscaping

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Large-scale solutions

Ideal for all treatment systems

Processes tailored to your needs

Exceptional results in all seasons

What is nitrogen reduction?

Nitrogen reduction is a wastewater treatment solution for areas where effluent standards have been strengthened to protect public health and the diversity of delicate ecosystems.

Our nitrogen reduction options are easily integrated with our Ecoflo compact biofilter (ECDn models) or added to the processes of business and community treatment plants.

They safely convert ammoniacal nitrogen into harmless nitrogen gas, helping keep pollutants out of groundwater and away from the lakes and rivers near your property.
 

Why remove nitrogen from wastewater?

Nitrogen is a nutrient, a building block for plant life. But it’s also a pollutant in wastewater.

When an inadequate treatment system discharges nitrogen compounds into the environment, they eventually end up in groundwater and nearby watercourses. Once there, they can cause lasting damage.

Groundwater contaminated with nitrate (a nitrogen compound) is a serious public health concern. High nitrate concentrations in drinking water reduce our blood’s ability to transport oxygen. For infants, this form of oxygen deprivation can lead to a condition called methemoglobinemia, more commonly known as blue baby syndrome.

Lakes and rivers enriched with too much nitrogen become a breeding ground for excessive algae growth. These blooms prevent sunlight from reaching plants below the surface. As native species die, bacteria that feed on decaying plant matter multiply, consuming more and more oxygen until the water can no longer support life.

The cost of nitrogen contamination is significant, not only for our environment, but also for our health and economy:

  • human illnesses and death
  • livestock poisoning
  • invasions of non-native species
  • reduced biodiversity
  • toxins and deformities in fish
  • reduced waterfront property values
  • limited enjoyment of lakes and rivers
  • lost revenues for commercial fisheries


We recognize the dangers of this problem and we are proud to offer a solution: safe, effective, and reliable wastewater treatment with Rewatec nitrogen reduction technologies.

How do our nitrogen reduction systems work for homes and cottages?

Primary tank

Wastewater first flows into a primary tank. Solids settle on the bottom of the tank and liquids flow into the Ecoflo compact biofilter for treatment.
 

Ecoflo compact biofilter

nitrogen reduction septic system rewatec

Wastewater passes through the biofilter, percolating through an organic filtering medium that traps and removes pollutants. Ammoniacal and organic nitrogen are naturally converted into nitrates as part of this process.

After wastewater passes through the filter, it is pumped into a flow divider tank.
 

Flow divider and final dispersal

The pressurized flow divider returns one portion of treated wastewater to the primary tank, where nitrates transform into harmless nitrogen gas that is released into the air.

The remaining portion of treated wastewater is discharged and safely returned to the environment.
 

How do our nitrogen reduction systems work for businesses and communities?

Ammonification

Nitrogen that enters a sewer system is mostly in the form of organic compounds, such as those found in urine and fecal material. When these compounds mix with wastewater, a natural process quickly converts them into ammonium.
 

Nitrification

Nitrogen removal processes can be adapted to any of our commercial, community, municipal, or industrial treatment systems:

When wastewater enters a treatment system, specialized bacteria called nitrifiers feed on available ammonium, converting it through a two-step process into a nitrogen compound called nitrate.

Following this process, wastewater is circulated away from the oxygen-rich zone favoured by nitrifiers, and into an anoxic (oxygen-depleted) zone for further treatment.
 

Denitrification

nitrogen reduction septic system rewatec

In the anoxic zone, there is another group of specialized bacteria called denitrifiers.

Denitrifiers do not require dissolved oxygen to breathe. Instead, they use the oxygen molecules attached to nitrate, breaking down the compound and producing harmless nitrogen gas that is released into the air.

After denitrification, wastewater continues downstream for additional treatment and, later, safe dispersal into the environment.

Our business and community solutions help you meet the strictest effluent standards by achieving total nitrogen concentrations as low as 0.5 mg/L.

Nitrogen reduction system maintenance for homes and cottages

We have a network of local service partners, annually trained by us to maximize the life of your Ecoflo compact biofilter and to protect your investment in your installation.

  • 15-point Ecoflo compact biofilter inspection
  • filter aeration to promote healthy bacterial activity
  • filter scarification to ensure optimal biofiltration
  • verification of flow divider components and performance
     

Nitrogen reduction system maintenance for businesses and communities

Our network of technicians and local service partners is trained by us to maximize the life of your commercial, community, municipal, or industrial Rewatec nitrogen reduction system.

When a technician visits your property, they will:

  • inspect all components, including electromechanical equipment
  • verify treatment performance
  • adjust processes to maximize system performance (when required)

Nitrogen reduction system warranty

Our 8-year warranty for residential nitrogen reduction systems includes:

  • all treatment-related parts and labour
  • no clogging, excess sludge, or substandard performance

Nitrogen reduction brochures and manuals

 

Ecoflo biofilter homeowner’s brochure thumbnail – Canada

 

Brochure

 

Ecoflo biofilter professional guide thumbnail – Rest of Canada

 

Pro guide

Ontario

Rest of Canada

 

Installation of the Pack model of the polyethylene Ecoflo compact biofilter at a residential site in Ontario.

Talk with an expert

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Summary of Privacy Notice
Data processing for wastewater estimates

This privacy notice explains the use and processing of your data in relation to your consent to our support in your wastewater project.

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Exercise your rights: by filling in the form on the website
If you have any questions: please contact us at [email protected]
 

Last update: 2023.09.28

You can consult the full text of the notice here.