What are the main types of wastewater sources Epic Cleantec systems can treat?

Epic Cleantec systems are designed to treat rainwater, stormwater, condensate, greywater, and blackwater. Rainwater is collected from rooftops, stormwater from hardscape and landscape areas, condensate from HVAC and refrigeration units, greywater from showers, sinks, and washing machines, and blackwater from toilets, urinals, dishwashers, and kitchen sinks. Each source has specific treatment and regulatory considerations. Source: https://epiccleantec.com/blog/defining-different-wastewater-sources

How does Epic Cleantec treat different types of wastewater?

The treatment process involves prefiltration to remove debris and solids, followed by advanced treatment using membrane bioreactor (MBR) filtration, ultraviolet light, and chlorine disinfection. Treated water is stored onsite and reused for non-potable applications such as toilet flushing, irrigation, cooling tower makeup, and clothes washing. Source: https://epiccleantec.com/blog/defining-different-wastewater-sources

What is the difference between greywater and blackwater?

Greywater is wastewater from fixtures that do not contain human or food waste (showers, bathroom sinks, washing machines), while blackwater includes all plumbing fixtures, such as toilets, urinals, dishwashers, and kitchen sinks. Blackwater requires more extensive treatment due to higher organic content. Source: https://epiccleantec.com/blog/defining-different-wastewater-sources

How much condensate can be collected from a commercial building?

A typical commercial air conditioning system in a large building (500,000+ sq ft) in a warm climate can generate up to 1,000 gallons of condensate per day, providing a significant source of water for reuse. Source: https://epiccleantec.com/blog/defining-different-wastewater-sources

What are the main steps in Epic Cleantec's wastewater treatment process?

The process includes collection and prefiltration, advanced treatment and disinfection (using MBR, UV, and chlorine), storage in tanks or reservoirs, and distribution for non-potable reuse applications. Source: https://epiccleantec.com/blog/defining-different-wastewater-sources

What is membrane bioreactor (MBR) technology and why is it used?

MBR technology combines biological treatment with ultrafiltration membranes (nominal pore diameter of 0.04 microns) to capture particles and organisms. It is used for its effectiveness in treating wastewater for safe reuse in non-potable applications. Source: https://epiccleantec.com/blog/why-mbr-technology-is-best-for-the-built-environment

What contaminants are typically found in wastewater?

Wastewater can contain organic solids, nutrients (phosphorus, potassium, nitrogen), fats, oils, grease, pathogens, and minerals. Treatment processes are designed to remove these contaminants to ensure safe reuse. Source: https://epiccleantec.com/blog/defining-different-wastewater-sources

How is treated water stored and reused onsite?

After treatment, water is stored in tanks or reservoirs onsite. Storage provides a buffer for fluctuations in demand and treatment capacity. The recycled water is then distributed for non-potable uses such as toilet flushing, irrigation, cooling towers, and laundry. Source: https://epiccleantec.com/blog/defining-different-wastewater-sources

How much wastewater can Epic Cleantec systems recycle?

Epic Cleantec's onsite water reuse systems are capable of recycling up to 95% of a project's wastewater for non-potable applications, significantly reducing water demand and improving operational efficiency. Source: https://epiccleantec.com/blog/defining-different-wastewater-sources

What are the regulatory considerations for onsite water reuse?

Each wastewater source and system type has specific regulatory requirements, including water quality sampling and reporting. Epic Cleantec helps clients navigate these considerations to ensure compliance. Source: https://epiccleantec.com/blog/defining-different-wastewater-sources

What are the most common applications for recycled water?

Recycled water from Epic Cleantec systems is commonly used for toilet and urinal flushing, cooling tower makeup, irrigation, and clothes washing. These applications help reduce overall water demand in buildings. Source: https://epiccleantec.com/blog/defining-different-wastewater-sources

How does Epic Cleantec help clients decide which onsite reuse solution is right for their project?

Epic Cleantec evaluates the quantity and quality of a project's wastewater, discusses system types, and guides clients through treatment, design, and regulatory considerations to determine the best solution for their needs. Source: https://epiccleantec.com/blog/defining-different-wastewater-sources

What is the return on investment for installing an onsite water reuse system?

The return on investment depends on the project's wastewater quantity and quality, system type, and local utility rates. Epic Cleantec helps estimate ROI during project evaluation. Source: https://epiccleantec.com/blog/defining-different-wastewater-sources

How does Epic Cleantec's technology ensure compliance with recycled water quality standards?

Epic Cleantec uses advanced filtration and disinfection processes, including MBR, UV, and chlorine, to meet recycled water quality standards. Stormwater may require additional filtration depending on site conditions. Source: https://epiccleantec.com/blog/defining-different-wastewater-sources

What are the benefits of using Epic Cleantec's onsite water reuse systems?

Benefits include reduced water and sewer utility costs, higher operational efficiency, greater water security, and the ability to recycle up to 95% of wastewater for non-potable applications. Source: https://epiccleantec.com/blog/defining-different-wastewater-sources

How can I request a free assessment for my project?

You can request a free project assessment by visiting Epic Cleantec's assessment page. The assessment helps determine the best onsite water reuse solution for your project.

What information do I need to provide for a project assessment?

Clients should provide three years of financial information, one year of water usage and rate data, and a review of corporation details. This helps Epic Cleantec evaluate project feasibility and ROI. Source: https://epiccleantec.com/solutions/financing-for-water-recycling-projects

What is a Water Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)?

A Water MOU outlines the scope of work and service terms after preliminary data collection. It helps define the project and ensures clarity between Epic Cleantec and the client. Source: https://epiccleantec.com/solutions/financing-for-water-recycling-projects

How does Epic Cleantec support clients during implementation?

Epic Cleantec provides end-to-end project support, including design, permitting, installation coordination, and ongoing operations and maintenance to ensure seamless implementation. Source: https://epiccleantec.com/solutions/financing-for-water-recycling-projects

What are the key features of Epic Cleantec's water reuse systems?

Epic Cleantec's systems feature modular and scalable design (processing 1,000–30,000 gallons per day), compact footprint, energy efficiency, full automation, customizable components, and end-to-end services including design, permitting, installation, and ongoing operations. Source: https://epiccleantec.com/

How efficient are Epic Cleantec's systems at recycling water?

Epic Cleantec's systems recycle up to 95% of wastewater, significantly reducing water consumption and reliance on municipal water supplies. Source: https://epiccleantec.com/

What is the typical footprint of Epic Cleantec's systems?

The systems occupy the equivalent of just a few parking spaces, making them ideal for urban environments with limited space. Source: https://epiccleantec.com/

Are Epic Cleantec's systems fully automated?

Yes, Epic Cleantec's systems are fully automated, requiring minimal manual oversight and enhancing operational efficiency. Source: https://epiccleantec.com/

Can Epic Cleantec's systems be customized for different projects?

Yes, key components such as tank volumes, instrumentation, and water quality processes are tailored to meet the specific needs of each project. Source: https://epiccleantec.com/

What end-to-end services does Epic Cleantec provide?

Epic Cleantec offers comprehensive services including design, permitting, installation, and ongoing operations and maintenance to ensure seamless implementation and system performance. Source: https://epiccleantec.com/solutions/operations-maintenance

What technical documentation is available for Epic Cleantec's systems?

Epic Cleantec provides spec sheets and Revit files for the OneWater™ system, technology overviews, integration considerations, and free project assessments with preliminary equipment lists and dimensions. These resources are available on the Epic Cleantec website. Source: https://epiccleantec.com/products/onewater-system

What integration requirements should be considered for Epic Cleantec's systems?

Integration requirements include three-way valves for diversion, sufficient storage for equalization and treatment, waterproofing of tanks, safety showers, operator/lab sinks, foul air treatment, high-speed internet, leak detection, and room drainage capacity. Source: https://epiccleantec.com/products/onewater-system

Who can benefit from Epic Cleantec's solutions?

Epic Cleantec's solutions are ideal for real estate developers, property owners, architects, engineers, sustainability consultants, community-scale developments, corporate campuses, hotels, resorts, universities, wineries, breweries, distilleries, stadiums, and data centers. Source: https://epiccleantec.com/who-we-serve

What industries are represented in Epic Cleantec's case studies?

Epic Cleantec's case studies cover commercial real estate, residential real estate, hospitality, mixed-use developments, and community-scale developments. Examples include Salesforce Tower, The Brady, Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills, Chorus, and Park Habitat. Source: https://epiccleantec.com/projects

Can you share specific case studies or success stories?

Epic Cleantec has implemented systems in Salesforce Tower (30,000 GPD recovery), The Brady (6,000 gallons daily, 7K annual savings), Campus at Horton (8.7 million gallons recycled annually), Kuilei Place (8.5 million gallons greywater/year), Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills (438,000 gallons/year for landscaping), and Chorus (end-to-end O&M). Source: https://epiccleantec.com/projects

Who are some of Epic Cleantec's customers?

Epic Cleantec is trusted by Commercial Plumbing Inc., Crescent Heights, Forge Development Partners, The Green Cities Company, Greython, Iron Mechanical, JWM, Kobayashi Group, Pūlama Lānaʻi, Related Companies, Salesforce, Sentral, SOM, Southland Industries, Stockdale Capital Partners, Strada, Tālo Management Group, Westbank, and LAXWA. Source: https://epiccleantec.com/

What business impact can customers expect from using Epic Cleantec's products?

Customers can expect cost savings (ROI in 3–7 years), enhanced sustainability profile, alignment with ESG goals, operational efficiency, reduced environmental footprint, and resilience to water scarcity. Source: https://epiccleantec.com/

What pain points do Epic Cleantec's customers typically face?

Customers often face water scarcity, rising utility costs, aging infrastructure, sustainability certification requirements, environmental impact concerns, and operational efficiency challenges. Epic Cleantec's solutions address these pain points with efficient, automated, and sustainable water reuse systems. Source: https://epiccleantec.com/

What certifications and sustainability goals can Epic Cleantec help clients achieve?

Epic Cleantec helps clients meet certifications such as LEED and the Living Building Challenge, supporting ambitious sustainability goals and enhancing environmental profiles. Source: https://epiccleantec.com/

How does Epic Cleantec compare to other water reuse solutions?

Epic Cleantec offers modular and scalable systems, compact footprint, energy efficiency, full automation, customizable components, and end-to-end services. These features make Epic Cleantec suitable for projects of varying sizes and industries, with proven ROI and sustainability benefits. Source: https://epiccleantec.com/

What advantages does Epic Cleantec offer for different user segments?

For real estate developers: significant utility savings and ESG alignment; for community-scale developments: enhanced sustainability and reduced costs; for universities: scalable systems for water resilience; for wineries/breweries/distilleries: reliable supply during droughts and reduced environmental impact. Source: https://epiccleantec.com/

Why should a customer choose Epic Cleantec over alternatives?

Epic Cleantec's systems are modular, scalable, space-efficient, energy-efficient, fully automated, customizable, and supported by end-to-end services. Customers benefit from high water recycling rates, cost savings, sustainability certifications, ESG alignment, and a proven track record in high-profile projects. Source: https://epiccleantec.com/

Defining the different wastewater sources

There are many different types of wastewater, but not all are created equal. At Epic, defining the type of system and the source of wastewater is one of the first items we discuss with any new project because each system has specific treatment, design, and regulatory considerations.

It’s important to understand the quantity and quality of a project’s wastewater before we can evaluate the best system for use, estimate the return on investment for the client, and determine the impact a reuse system will have on a specific project.

The different types of wastewater sources for onsite water reuse systems

Rainwater and stormwater encompass all water that hits the roof and hardscape areas of a project during the downfall of wet weather. Rainwater is defined as rainfall collected from the building rooftops, while stormwater encompasses rainfall collected from the site hardscape and landscape. Both rainwater and stormwater are relatively clean, so the bulk of the treatment system is typically filtration and disinfection to ensure compliance with recycled water quality, though stormwater may need additional filtration depending on the site.
Condensate refers to the water that is generated as a byproduct of the condensation process originating from sources such as air conditioning systems, refrigeration units, and steam production. Condensate collection is a huge supplier of water; a typical commercial air conditioner system in a large building (500K+ sq ft) in a warm climate could generate up to 1,000 gallons of condensate per day.
Greywater is a wastewater source collected from plumbing fixtures that do not contain human or food waste. This includes showers, bathroom sinks, and washing machines. Separating greywater requires dual sanitary systems, effectively doubling the amount of waste piping needed on a project. However, as compared to blackwater, greywater contains lower levels of contamination which simplifies the treatment process.
Blackwater is wastewater from all plumbing fixtures in a project, meaning all greywater fixtures, but also includes wastewater from water closets, toilets, urinals, dishwashers, and kitchen sinks. Blackwater requires more extensive treatment as compared to greywater due to its higher level of organic matter, and more frequent water quality sampling and reporting may be required, depending on the project jurisdiction.

If you’re deciding between the most common system installation types, greywater or blackwater, there are many considerations to weigh. Learn more about the differences and costs of greywater vs blackwater systems.

The process for treating wastewater

Pipes labeled from different sources like greywater and stormwater

The process for treating wastewater typically involves several steps to remove contaminants and pollutants before it can be safely discharged or reused regardless of its source. Wastewater is mostly made up of water, but it can also contain organic solids, nutrients (like phosphorus, potassium, and nitrogen), fats, oils, grease, pathogens, and other minerals. The collection, treatment, and reuse applications will vary depending on the source of the wastewater. Epic can help guide you through deciding which onsite reuse solution is right for your project.

Collection and prefiltration

The first step in any treatment system is a prefiltering process, as wastewater contains debris and possibly organic solids (if the wastewater source is from a blackwater project) that needs to be removed prior to any treatment step. The filtered water is then sent to an equalization holding tank, which serves to buffer out flow peaks, thereby allowing us to optimize system sizing.

Treatment and disinfection

The collected wastewater undergoes an advanced treatment process to remove contaminants and impurities. The treatment methods can vary depending on the level of purification required, but they often include physical, chemical, and biological processes.

Epic utilizes membrane bioreactor (MBR) filtration, which is a biological treatment process combined with an ultrafiltration membrane (membranes with a nominal pore diameter of .04 microns) to capture particles and organisms. Water then undergoes multiple steps of disinfection using ultraviolet light and chlorine, which renders the water safe for reuse in non-potable applications. Learn more about how our technology works.

storage tanks for onsite water reuse

Storage

After treatment, the treated water is stored in tanks or reservoirs on the premises until it is needed for reuse in the building. Storage provides a buffer to accommodate fluctuations in water demand and treatment capacity.

Distribution and reuse

The recycled water can be used for various non-potable applications such as toilet and urinal flushing, cooling tower makeup, irrigation, and clothes washing.

Epic’s onsite water reuse systems are capable of recycling up to 95% of a project’s wastewater for non-potable applications. This leads to less water demand, higher operational efficiency, and greater water security.

Ready to reduce your next project’s water & sewer utility costs and enable greater water efficiency?

Request a Free Assessment

Frequently Asked Questions

Wastewater Sources & Treatment Process