BioMicrobics has developed a decentralised water treatment solution that combines recycling and advanced water filtration to facilitate water management in areas not connected to municipal services.

BioMicrobics’ ‘integrated water management’ solution is a decentralised water treatment service that ensures communities living outside the reach of municipal services have access to reliable water and sanitation services. Their solution for individual residences or whole communities has two key components: recycling and advanced filtration. Their ‘Recover greywater treatment’ system encourages water recycling at the household level by storing greywater from showers and reusing it for toilet flushing. The system is fitted with a self-cleaning filter as well as a chlorine tablet for additional disinfection. BioMicrobics estimates that using this technology can reduce household water consumption by up to 30%.

The second component is filtration, to ensure that wastewater can be safely reused or discharged. Their BioBarrier Membrane Aerated BioReactors treat 99.9% of contaminants in household greywater, for instance from sinks, showers and laundries. The system uses micro and ultra-filtration methods to remove bacteria and other solid particles from water. The resulting high-quality effluent can be safely reused for non-potable uses such as irrigation and toilet flushing. BioMicrobics’ Integrated Water Management solution is easily scalable, and can be used for individual residential properties or entire communities. This can allow for a high level of wastewater treatment remotely, eliminating the need for costly expansions of centralised treatment systems.

Through their international distributors, BioMicrobics has installed 60,000 systems in over 70 countries. Their range of filtration solutions are appropriate for industry, agriculture, shipping residential developments, and more.

Why you should care

In high-income countries, around 70% of wastewater is sufficiently treated before it is released into the environment, yet recycling rates remain low. BioMicrobics’ integrated water management solution can help to reduce water consumption and ensure a reliable supply of clean water, particularly in drought-prone areas.

How the Global Goals are addressed

Clean water and sanitation

Decentralised integrated water management systems can increase access to proper wastewater treatment, helping to prevent pollution, ensure stable supply and promote safe recycling and reuse.