Hydro-Action AN Series Receives North Carolina Innovative Wastewater System Approval
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has officially approved Hydro-Action Industries' AN Series advanced pretreatment systems under Innovative Wastewater System Approval IWWS 2025-01. This approval, effective March 5, 2025, recognizes the system’s compliance with TS-I effluent standards, allowing it to be used in onsite wastewater treatment applications throughout the state.
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Overview of the Hydro-Action AN Series
The Hydro-Action AN Series is an extended aeration, aerobic treatment system that utilizes the activated sludge process and wastewater recirculation for denitrification. The system consists of:
Pre-Treatment Tank – Settles solids before aeration.
Aeration Chamber – Provides oxygenation for biological treatment using fine-bubble diffusers.
Clarification Chamber – Separates suspended solids, allowing treated effluent to be discharged.
Outlet Tee Assembly – Regulates effluent flow and prevents solids carryover.
Commercial by Hydro-Action
The Hydro-Action OPS® control system integrates electrical controls, alarms, and an air pump into a protective enclosure, which can be mounted on the system or placed remotely.
Approval Scope and System Applications
The AN Series systems are approved for domestic wastewater flows up to 3,000 gallons per day (gpd). Any installations exceeding this flow require additional state review.
For high-strength wastewater applications, such as commercial or industrial facilities, a North Carolina-licensed Professional Engineer (PE) must design the system, and the NC Department of Health and Human Services must approve the project on a case-by-case basis.
Installation and Site Requirements
The Hydro-Action AN Series must be installed according to state regulations and manufacturer specifications, including:
Siting & Setback Regulations – Systems must comply with 15A NCAC 18E setback distances to ensure proper separation from wells, surface water, and property lines.
Dispersal Field Compatibility – Can be paired with drip irrigation or other approved dispersal methods, as outlined in 15A NCAC 18E .1204.
Traffic Restrictions – Systems must not be installed in driveways, parking areas, or locations subject to vehicular traffic.
Pump System Requirements – If a pump is needed for dispersal, a control panel meeting 15A NCAC 18E .1103 standards must be used.
Operation, Maintenance & Monitoring
Regular operation and maintenance (O&M) are required to ensure long-term performance and compliance:
Annual Inspections – Required for systems ≤1,500 gpd; systems >1,500 gpd must be sampled twice per year.
Effluent Sampling – All systems must be tested for BOD₅, TSS, and NH₃. TS-II systems must also be tested for Total Nitrogen (TN).
Authorized Operator Oversight – Systems must be maintained by a North Carolina-certified subsurface operator, who is either employed by Hydro-Action or authorized in writing.
Performance Reporting – The operator must submit detailed inspection reports within 30 days of each visit, documenting:
Aeration and pump performance
Effluent clarity and odor
Pump cycle and dosing rates
Structural integrity and maintenance needs
What This Means for North Carolina’s Septic Industry
The approval of Hydro-Action’s AN Series provides septic installers, engineers, and system designers with a state-approved advanced treatment option.
Enhanced Biological Treatment – The extended aeration and recirculation process improves effluent quality and nitrogen reduction.
Scalable System Options – Approved models range from 440 to 1,100 gpd, making them suitable for various residential and small commercial applications.
Alternative to Conventional Systems – Can be used in challenging sites where standard septic systems may not be effective.
For more details on the Hydro-Action AN Series approval, system specifications, and installation guidelines, visit Hydro-Action.com. To read the NC approval click here.
With this new approval, wastewater professionals in North Carolina have another state-recognized solution for onsite wastewater treatment, supporting environmental compliance and improved system performance.