Questions for Aqua-Aerobic Systems Presentation – November 6, 2025

[Paul Roberts]

Colleagues,

For Thursday’s agenda item regarding the Aqua-Aerobic Systems presentation on the Aqua Prime Cloth Media Filter, I used ChatGPT to help review the packet and compile a structured list of questions. Since this is a presentation-only item, I plan to use the opportunity to better understand how this technology might fit within our long-term wastewater strategy.

Below are the key points and questions I intend to raise for clarification during or after the presentation:

1. Technology Readiness​

• Most reference installations appear to be outside Texas.
• Has this system been permitted or piloted under TCEQ standards?
• Are there any current Texas municipal installations, and what was the approval process?

2. Maintenance and Local Support​

• The system involves rotating disks and vacuum backwash components.
• What are the routine maintenance requirements and operator skill needs?
• Are spare parts and service technicians available in Texas, and what’s the media lifespan?

3. Retrofit Integration​

• Lago Vista’s facilities are small and primarily gravity-fed.
• Can the system operate without additional pumping?
• What headloss or hydraulic changes would be required for retrofit applications?

4. Cost Perspective​

• While the presentation is informational, cost context will help future evaluations.
• What is the typical installed cost per MGD, and how do operating costs compare to clarifiers or MBR systems?
• Can Aqua provide cost–benefit data from existing municipal users?

5. Applicability to Lago Vista​

• Our system doesn’t experience large wet-weather surges.
• How would this technology benefit small dry-weather plants like ours?
• Could it support nutrient reduction or reuse goals without expanding tankage?

6. Energy and Sustainability​

• The packet references energy savings and increased biogas production.
• What energy savings per MGD have been documented at similar-scale sites?
• Are there grant or sustainability funding opportunities associated with this system?

These are not criticisms, just due diligence questions to ensure Council and staff have the full picture before considering future planning implications.

 

[Adam Benefield]

As a reminder, please submit any questions you have and I'll send an email to our contact with Mr. West on copy so a tour can be scheduled and responses distributed.

 

[Shane Saum]

1. Installation and Structural Requirements

• Would these modular units require a new concrete pad or platform, or could they be installed at grade with minimal preparation?
• What are the footprint and weight requirements for each module, and would any structural reinforcement be needed?
• During the presentation, it was mentioned that these systems should be protected from UV exposure. Can you clarify what level of cover or housing is recommended – full enclosure, shade structure, or simple canopy?

1. Site Assessment and Placement

• Could Aqua-Aerobic representatives visit and walk our wastewater plant to help determine the best location for potential installation?
• How much clearance and access space is required around each unit for maintenance and inspections?
• Have you implemented this system in other small-footprint facilities with space constraints, and how were placement challenges addressed?

1. Integration with Our Existing System

• How would this system connect to our existing Type II effluent line – directly after secondary treatment, or would a diversion structure or pump station be required?
• Can the Aqua Prime system be designed so that only a portion of our Type II effluent is diverted through it to produce Type I water?
• If so, could that flow then be routed through purple pipe for irrigation at parks, ballfields, and the golf course, while maintaining our current discharge for the remainder?
• What does a typical tie-in or bypass configuration look like when retrofitting this technology onto an existing facility?
• Would any chemical or disinfection changes (chlorination or UV) be required downstream to maintain TCEQ Type I compliance?

1. TCEQ Requirements and Compliance

• Has the Aqua Prime system been permitted, piloted, or approved by TCEQ for Type I effluent production?
• For a city like Lago Vista, would installation require a permit amendment under Chapter 210, or a new authorization entirely?
• What kind of documentation or performance data does TCEQ typically request to evaluate this system for Type I use?
• Does Aqua provide engineering and permitting support or standard documentation to assist with the TCEQ approval process?
• What are the expected effluent quality targets (TSS, BOD, turbidity, and coliform) and how do those compare with TCEQ’s Type I standards under 30 TAC §210.33?
• Would additional sampling or reporting requirements be triggered under TCEQ rules once the system is operational?
• Would operation of the system require any higher-level operator certification or additional TCEQ training?

1. Operations, Maintenance, and Training

• What are the routine maintenance requirements for the system – daily, weekly, or monthly?
• Are spare parts and service technicians readily available in Texas?
• What is the expected lifespan of the filter media and other moving components?
• Are there automated monitoring or alarm features for backwash cycles or flow performance?
• Does Aqua offer onsite operator training and technical support during commissioning?

1. Cost and Implementation Timeline

• Could you provide a rough order-of-magnitude cost estimate for a facility our size?
• What are the typical installation and commissioning timeframes from order to operation?
• Can you share cost–benefit or lifecycle comparisons with other tertiary systems such as clarifiers or MBRs?
• Are there any grants, state revolving fund, or sustainability programs that have supported similar installations in other Texas cities?

1. Energy and Sustainability

• Are there any federal sustainability incentives applicable to this technology?

1. Long-Term Reliability

• What are the most common operational challenges reported by municipalities, and how are they typically resolved?
• Does Aqua-Aerobic provide long-term maintenance contracts or performance guarantees for municipal users?

 

[Norma Owen]

Thank you, Councilmembers. The only additional question I would suggest is to ask about the expected lifespan and replacement cycle of the AquaPrime Cloth Media Filter. The system appears to be modular and relatively “plug-and-play,” so understanding its long-term durability and replacement costs would help us better evaluate lifecycle value and maintenance planning.