Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

WaterStax – What is it?
WaterStax by WaterMaze, is an economical, low maintenance system for treating wash water used on wash pads. Typical applications include golf course, sporting grounds, parks, gardens and council works depots.
Using Bioremediation technology the WaterStax removes oil, grease, hydrocarbons, pesticides, insecticides, grass clippings, all the typical wastes generated in a wash pad area.
There are two types of systems: Discharge or Recycle.

The Discharge System, “treats” the water to a level where it can be used for irrigation, filling dams or be discharged to the sewer.

The Recycle System incorporates an additional stage of cleaning where the treated water can be recycled as wash water through your washing equipment. This extra stage is referred to as a “closed loop” system.
Re-using or recycling your wash water with the WaterStax

Eliminates the need to store any contaminants
No expensive chemicals or degreasers required
No emulsified oily filters to clean
No requirement to pay someone to collect your oil waste produced from the wash pad
No foul smelling dead water odours to contend with
No weekly servicing requirements for the WaterStax unit

Why WaterStax – WaterMaze CLB?
You may have heard of the WaterStax System, the WaterMaze CLB is the same system. WaterMaze is the company that owns the WaterStax technology. They recently updated the system and in doing so decided to change the name from WaterStax to WaterMaze CLB. For convenience we will be referring to the system as WaterStax. Essentially everything that happened in the previous system now occurs in specifically designed modular tanks with a number of added benefits that improve the efficiency and performance.

Cone based tanks improves the settling process for solid separation.
Auto purge valves on all tanks reduces maintenance and strengthens the aerobic process.
New patented Airstick technology increases the aerobic activity.
The modular system provides greater flexibility for installations.

How does it work?
The WaterStax combines grass and solids separation with bioremediation. The process begins with the pad design. Drainage and the sump are critical in removing the heavier solids. Grass clippings and other solid matter are separated from the waste water via a uniquely designed grass screen and a settling tank. The hydrocarbon based contaminants that remain in the water such as grease, oil, herbicides, insecticides and pesticides are bioremediated with the BioStax microbe solution resulting in harmless carbon dioxide and water. This process generally happens over night when the wash pad is not in use, an automated process managed by the control centre.

The WaterStax - WaterMaze CLB is a modular system that provides flexibility to suit your specific wash pad requirements. When determining what you system best suits your application the two main considerations are: How much water needs to be processed? What contaminants need to be treated?

The following brochure explains the water treatment process in greater detail and some typical application configurations. Please review and then we’ll continue addressing the commonly asked questions.

Hopefully the brochure has provided a better insight into how the process works through the WaterStax system and some of the options available. We will continue to answer some of the most commonly asked questions.

How does it compare to other systems?
The WaterStax does not contain any filters that need to be replaced. Traditional filter based systems require regular maintenance of the filters including washing, back flushing and changing. The filters are not only expensive to replace, but they may also be hazardous waste after they have collected and concentrated the contaminants. Improper disposal of filters creates significant liabilities.

If there are no filters, what happens to the contaminants that make the filters hazardous waste?
Unlike traditional filters that simply capture and concentrate the waste, the microbes literally “eat” the hydrocarbon base contaminants such as grease, oil, herbicides, insecticides and pesticides. The special blend of microbes actually convert the hydrocarbons to Carbon Dioxide and Water.
Interesting fact: Bioremediation is widely used in cleaning oil spills, and first gained fame when it was used to help clean up the oil spill from the Exxon Valdez in Alaska.

I’ve heard “wash pads” require a lot of maintenance?
The WaterMaze system itself requires very little maintenance. Auto purge valves timers are set in the control panel to automatically clean out solids collected in the tanks. Good house keeping on the wash pad will ensure efficient water treatment such as cleaning of sump trench and emptying the grass cart as required. A pad that is well designed and constructed can simplify maintenance.

How do I make sure my wash pad is well designed?
Experienced Enware staff, trained by WaterMaze Engineers, have helped with the design of a number of systems already in operation around the country. Working with you and your architects and engineers can assist with:

Wash pad design
Chemical storage
Fuel storage
Workshop In some instances incorporating all of the above together to create a safe, compliant working environment.

Are there any "tricks" in constructing the wash pad?
Golf courses, turf companies and councils have been able to use local contractors or, in some cases construct the pad themselves. The wash pad is a concrete slab, sloped to a trench that leads to a catch basin. The trench serves as a method of collecting sand and gravel, so the pad should slope to the trench, not the catch basin. The sump pump is put in the catch basin, so a 50mm (2”) PVC line needs to go to the area near where the WaterStax will be located. An additional 20mm (¾”) line for an electrical conduit should also lead from the catch basin to the equipment area. The equipment pad should be relatively level. Sample pad drawings are available.

How can I decide the location for the wash pad?
Effective design usually dictates that the wash area is located close to the equipment storage area at the maintenance facility. When locating your pad, consider access to wash waster, water discharge location, availability of electrical power, and its accessibility to equipment. The wash pad is usually hidden from view in an area apart from where employees take breaks.

What happens to the water after it is cleaned by the WaterStax - WaterMaze CLB System?
Water treated by WaterStax - WaterMaze CLB – Discharge unit is clean enough to be discharged to a sewer, leach field or irrigation pond. Re-using the water by putting it into an irrigation pond conserves water. Putting the water into a sanitary sewer is an option for discharging the water however meeting EPA guidelines and attaining water utility licenses will be required. We can arrange appropriate testing and assist with complying should discharging to sewer be your preference.
The WaterStax - WaterMaze CLB – Recycle unit includes a high output UV Ozone Generator to provide additional polishing of the water so it can be re-used as wash water on the pad.

How much normal maintenance is involved in keeping the WaterStax running?
Just a few minutes each day is required to empty the grass cart. It is the same amount of work as emptying a rubbish bin. Once a month the BioStax microbe solution needs to be replenished. The BioStax microbe solution, which is not hazardous, and requires no special handling, gloves, or respirators, can be replaced in about 5 minutes. Periodically the trench needs to be cleaned out. All tanks in the system include auto-purge valves, to automatically clean out residual silts collected at the bottom of the tanks, reducing the need for manual maintenance. This system really is low maintenance in terms of time and costs.

What are the problems that might occur?
Generally problems are minimal, but as with any equipment unexpected problems can occur. If the pump in the catch basin clogs, it is connected with cam-lock quick disconnections so it’s relatively easy to pull the pump out and clear any blockages. With courses that don’t have a proper trench, we have noticed increased blockages in the sludge valve due to the higher volume of sand and grit that may enter the system. Clearing the sludge valve is simply a matter of backflushing it with water from a hose.
Unusually high concentrations of contaminants may kill the microbes, depending on the amount re-dosing may be required. Temperature and pH are also critical to keeping the microbes alive. A pH balancing module is available for installations where this might be a problem.

How do I know the microbes are alright?
The microbe solution, is replenished automatically each day. An automatic peristaltic dosing pump adds a small amount of the microbes each night to ensure that the population remains strong.

What is the advantage of the WaterStax compared to an oil water separator?
The WaterStax tanks are designed so that it acts as a three-stage oil water separator. Unlike an oil water separator, the WaterStax does not need to be pumped out. The prevents odours associated with decaying grass since the grass screen removes solid organic matter before the water is treated. Oils and hydrocarbons are actually converted to carbon dioxide and water so residue does not have to be disposed of. Using a waste disposer who correctly pumps, transports, and manifests the waste to limit your liability can be very expensive. Herbicides and pesticides, which would otherwise flow through a traditional separator, are treated by the WaterStax system.

If I already have an oil water separator, what can I do?
The WaterStax can be installed in conjunction with the oil water separator. Many golf courses with oil water separators have decided to install a WaterStax as well. Typically the WaterStax treats the water prior to transferring it into the oil water separator.

Is there an advantage to “closed loop” systems that recycle the water?
Operating a “closed loop” water treatment system does not require discharge permitting. For many companies it is peace of mind not to worry about what is being discharged into the sewer, irrigation or waterways. Many areas go into water restriction in summer due to drought situations. Closed loop water treatment systems also gives cost savings through re-use of water.

Will WaterStax comply with all the regulations that exist now or in the future?
Local regulations vary so it is impossible to make a blanket statement for any wash system. In general the WaterStax will perform significantly within EPA requirements, and we can assist by contacting the local authorities on your behalf for the necessary permits. We have independent reports and analysis that will assist with the local approval process and compliance testing is carried out by us as part of the installation costs. The WaterStax - WaterMaze CLB is an above ground modular system, making it much more flexible to retrofit if additional processes may be required at a later stage.

If I already have a wash pad can I put in a WaterStax? 
As mentioned earlier the pad design is an integral part of the water treatment system and a site visit will help determine the answer to this question. Depending on your site you may only need to make minor modifications to an existing wash pad. We can work with you to determine if it’s more economical and effective to construct a new pad, or to retrofit to your existing pad.

What happens in the event of power failure?
In the event of a power failure, no waste water will enter the system, and no waste water will leave the system, since the water in the catch basin will not be pumped into the WaterStax. If the pump works but the other electrical systems are not powered, the grass screen will still eliminate grass clippings, and other contaminants will separate out via differential specific gravity as in a traditional oil water separator.

Will there be problems with enzymes being discharged into our sewer system?
BioStax is a microbial solution that does not contain any enzymes. The microbes occur naturally and are similar to microbes used in digesters for many municipal waste water treatment facilities. BioStax microbes does not contain any artificial degreasers or surfactants that simply emulsify grease and oil. We can supply all the necessary information to you and/or your utility provider.

How are the contaminants converted to carbon dioxide and water?
The process of converting the hydrocarbon contaminants into carbon dioxide and water is beta-oxidation, and more specifically catabolism. Since beta-oxidation is enhanced in aerobic conditions, the WaterStax is aerated at night when washing doesn’t occur.

“Bacteria break down complex organic compounds through a series of coupled chemical reactions termed catabolism. For respiratory bacteria, the central pathways involved in metabolism are glycosis, the Krebs cycle, and the electron transport system. The overall generalised reaction is:

CH O (complex carbon) + O2 = CO2 + H2O + energy

This equation represents the complete conversion of the complex carbon compound, also called the substrate, to carbon dioxide and water, a process called mineralisation. Energy attained in the form of the ATP is used for a variety of cellular activities, including synthesis of new cell components and motility” (Source: Baker and Herson. Bioremediation. (1994, 1999) McGraw-Hill).

What is the daily capacity of the WaterStax - WaterMaze CLB?
The WaterStax modular system can be configured to suit the demands of any application simply by adding treatment and storage tanks as required.There are some standard configurations available to suit typical applications:

9 Hole Golf Courses – 2250 Litre (600 Gallon) Discharge or Recycle
18 Hole Golf Courses – 4500 Litre (1200 Gallon) Discharge or Recycle
36 Hole Golf Course – 9000 Litre (2400 Gallon) Discharge or Recycle

What is the peak capacity (litres per minute) of the WaterStax?
The WaterStax can effectively handle 37-189 litres per minute, it is factory set at 70 litres per minute. The size of the catch basin will not impact the amount of time that you can run higher volumes before flooding your pad. If the peak capacity of the system is exceeded for more than a few minutes the pad will start to “flood” and the operators washing the equipment should stop washing. No damage will occur to the system, and the water will still be adequately treated. You may find that a hose with an automatic shut-off nozzle is helpful in reducing unnecessary water usage.

What is the processing rate for treatment of the wash water?
The processing rate varies for each site. Factors that must be considered are:

Average daily flow (litres per day)
BOD levels (ppm)
Oxygen input (dissolved oxygen)
Hydraulic retention time (HRT)
Total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH)
Water temperature and pH
Our site survey includes tests so that the estimated processing time can be calculated and recommendations can be made to the size of the system needed for effective treatment. This booklet contains a typical system for an 18-hole golf course application.

Do I need to use a pressure washer, or can I use other sources of water?
A pressure washer or pressure wand that restricts the flow of water can be used, although you can use a garden hose if you wish. Courses can use irrigation or tap water to wash equipment.

How do I know the contaminants are removed when I use the WaterStax?
On a broader level test results from Australian installations are available, showing an extensive range of tested criteria including TPH (total petroleum hydrocarbons) levels and the herbicide “Glyphosate” which is the active ingredient in Round-Up. Needless to say the results are significantly below regulation levels and in many cases were non-detectable in the effluent. On-site independent testing of the WaterStax is part of our installation service and you of course would keep those results for your records.
Once the WaterStax is in operation the simplest sign that contaminants are not being removed is the “touch and smell” test. The “dead water” smell at the discharge point is usually the first sign that contaminants are not being removed.
It is recommended that you have a periodic water analysis test at the discharge outlet with records kept. If an incident was to occur a history of test results is an excellent display of due diligence, no matter what system you choose to install.

How should I dispose of the grass clippings in the grass cart?
Since courses vary in their handling of green waste, we recommend disposing of grass clippings in the same manner that all other grass clippings are handled. Most golf courses have a composting program. You will notice on the pictures that the grass cart is always located on the wash pad. This is because the bottom of the cart is a fine membrane. This allows the water to drain off, back through the treatment system leaving the grass clippings dry where they can be added to the compost.

What happens to the WaterStax in cold weather?
The first (and most common) alternative is to winterise the system by draining the tanks after equipment washing has stopped for the season – this is only required in climates where freezing could be an issue. In most Australia locations during the winter months the aeration that runs at night will keep the water from freezing.

What about the harsh Australian sun?
The high density, cross-linked polyethylene tanks are extra-resistant to chemical fatigue and ultra-violet exposure. If you are in a particularly hot location you may want to consider shading, not just for the obvious extra protection for equipment but from a worker point of view the shaded area provides protection from harmful UV rays. In fact a roof is requirement by some local councils and authorities, although the main motivation is to prevent excessive rain washing contaminates from the wash pad into the environment.

What are the main reasons why golf courses install a wash pad?
Equipment is easier to maintain and lasts longer if it is properly cleaned.
Washing on the course creates a messy, constantly wet area that smells of decaying grass.
Washing into ponds or lagoons causes odours and possibly algae blooms.
The facilty risks large fines and possible personal liability if it is not in compliance with environmental regulations.
Repeated washing can cause water and soil contamination with devastating effects on the local ecosystem.
Why do courses install the WaterStax?
The WaterStax is the simplest and easiest system to use and maintain since there are no filters to change. Beyond initial cost, the ongoing costs of maintaining the system are much less that other alternatives.

What points can I make to the Greens Committee to convince them on the value of a WaterStax?
Budget and operational issues are usually more important to the Greens Committee than general “environmental” issues. The main point is: Potential soil and water contamination can lead to high clean-up costs and personal liabilities as shown with Manly lagoon incident. When set up to specifications the WaterStax system is effectively environmental insurance - around the clock. The low maintenance requirements means staff can spend time more productively. Waste disposal costs are eliminated. In addition to that the maintenance of the equipment is improved by having a wash area, so the equipment should also have a longer working life.

Are references available?
Absolutely. Call us for a current list of references.

WaterStax is a US product - what support are we going to get here?
There's probably at least two issues in this question. Let me begin with the US product because my own instinct is to say I want Australian made. There are a couple of key points on this, the most obvious is why reinvent the wheel?This product has been specifically made for the golf and turf industry. It’s a global solution and is successfully being used in over 250 applications worldwide. It does it better that anything else on the market, without the use of filters. The maintenance is low, it’s a proven system and the reality is to replicate it would cost a fortune, money that would have to be made back when you buy the product. With trying to make a system like this, as you could imagine no one would get it right the first time, so there would be the inevitable teething problems to endure which does lead right into the question of support. WaterMaze is an international company and has one of the best support systems available - including detailed manuals, training programs and a high level of support via the phone and internet. With so many installations around the world there is not a challenge they haven’t encountered, a problem or question that can’t be answered. In conjunction is the support that will come from Enware as the WaterMaze dealer in Australia.
The BioStax microbes are made here in Queensland specifically for the WaterStax equipment and Australian conditions, and the good news is knowing there’s a local supply if some are needed in a hurry.

Who’s Enware and why will they support us?
For those of you who are not familiar with Enware, we are an Australian owned company that's been around since 1939. Our core business is manufacturing commercial and institutional tapware; you may be familiar with our vandal resistant tapware and self-closing bubblers commonly used around Australia. This is another area where Enware can help reduce water usage on your course or facility. Over 15 years ago we began manufacturing safety showers and emergency eyewash equipment as an add-on to our laboratory tapware range. You possibly are aware these emergency showers and eyewashes are required anywhere where hazardous chemicals are used or stored including battery rooms. They are widely used in industrial and mining applications, which led to the inclusion of the Enpac spill prevention and secondary containment products to our range of safety and environmental solutions in 1998. Our expertise in water products and environmental protection led to the opportunity for us to provide world leading water treatment technology to Australian golf, turf and industrial applications.

There are now 7 installations in Australia, the earliest in 1999. Our expert staff have received training from WaterMaze Engineers and onsite training for you and your staff is provided as part of the installation process. Of course you will have direct access to both Enware and experts in the US for any technical assistance you may require.

I’d like to mention as part of Enware’s Environmental Policy, our Chrome Plating facility is one of the very few in Australia with an approved system for treating and discharging waste water. In our case we are licensed with Sydney Water and the EPA, so we understand the process and the importance of dependable equipment.

So what does that all mean for you?
Well, Enware’s been around for a long time and is committed to the continued delivery of reliable, high quality products and service. We have a knowledgeable team on the WaterStax - WaterMaze CLB system committed to ensuring that you get the best possible service and results from your investment.