Canwest Tanks manufacture various sewage treatment systems, using activated sludge with aeration and suspended or attached growth media technology.
Wastewater treatment systems of this type work by utilizing the microorganisms, naturally occurring in the wastewater, to form colonies (Biomass) which can be suspended in the liquid or attached to a growth media in the Reactor Chamber.
By infusing air (Oxygen) into the liquid, these microorganisms (Aerobes) multiply at a more accelerated rate than would normally occur. Resulting in larger than normal populations of Aerobes in the environment, causing an increased amount of nutrients to be digested, thus lowering the BOD.
This is a continuous process for as long as the Reactor Chamber is supplied with nutrients and oxygen. In addition to rapid absorption of the nutrients, the increased biomass contributes to better breakdown of solids resulting in lower Total Suspended Solids (TSS).
The Whitewater System was approved by the Ministry of Health, Public Health Protection Branch in 1994. Canwest Tanks began marketing the Whitewater System throughout BC in 1995 and manufacturing in 1996.

Canwest has sold and manufactured more than 5,000 units for B.C.

The Ministry of Health, Sewage Regulation lists three (3) types
of installation approved for disposal of domestic waste:

TYPE 1 System

Is a conventional Septic Tank & Dispersal Field system.
The Sewerage Regulation outlines the setbacks, ground and soil conditions that determines whether a conventional septic tank & dispersal field can be used.

TYPE 2 System

A Whitewater Package Sewage Treatment Plant is installed as the primary receptacle & aerobic treatment unit for domestic wastewater.

The system (tanks) generally consist of:

• Trash Tank, Optional but strongly recommended
• The Whitewater Sewage Treatment Plant
• c/w Aeration Blower
• the aeration assembly installed into unit
• Discharge Pump package, if other than gravity flow to field

A disposal field will still be required, however, the field may be greatly reduced.

TYPE 3 System

The WHITEWATER TYPE 3 System is an extension of the Whitewater System, and is used in applications where the effluent quality must meet specific criteria.
A TYPE3 system must be designed by a professional (P.Eng.) with experience in environmental matters.

The Onsite Sewerage Regulations specifies the acceptable effluent quality for a TYPE3 System as being:

• BOD5 = 10 mg/l
• TSS = 10 mg/l
• Nitrate = 10 mg/l
• Fecal Coliform = 400 CFU/100ml

The equipment required for this treatment method generally consists of a

• Trash/Pre-Settling Tank
• Whitewater Sewage Treatment Unit
• Clarifier/Filtration Unit
• UV Disinfection Unit
• Discharge Pump Package (if required)

Please note that design criteria may vary as influent strength and disposal method have a bearing on the treatment process.