AquaDisk Filters – Frequently Asked Questions

AquaDisk® Cloth Media Filters by Aqua-Aerobic Systems provide advanced tertiary filtration for municipal and industrial wastewater applications. Designed for high-quality effluent, low maintenance, and compact footprints, these filters are trusted by facilities worldwide. This FAQ answers common questions about AquaDisk® performance, applications, maintenance, and installation.
What Sets the AquaDisk® Filters Apart?
AquaDisk® Filters excel in tertiary filtration with superior solids removal, reliable effluent quality, and a compact design. Key differentiators include:
- Thick pile cloth media for high removal efficiency
- Automatic backwashing without interrupting filtration
- Vertically oriented disks to maximize surface area in a small footprint
- California Title 22 certified for water reuse applications
- Made in the USA by Aqua-Aerobic Systems, Rockford, IL
What Wastewater Applications Can Benefit from the AquaDisk®?
The AquaDisk® treats municipal and industrial wastewaters for tertiary treatment, BOD & suspended solids removal, phosphorus removal, color removal, and water reuse/recycling. A variation of the AquaDisk® called the AquaStorm® is ideal for wet weather applications, and the AquaPrime® for replacing primary clarifiers.
What Are the Advantages of AquaDisk® vs. Traditional Filters?
In wastewater plants where secondary treatment falls short of meeting stringent effluent criteria, tertiary filters are necessary. AquaDisk® filter offers many advantages over traditional sand filters and other tertiary filters:
- Achieves low TSS, NTU, and phosphorus levels
- High hydraulic capacity with low backwash water use
- Low headloss and energy consumption
- Minimal operator oversight (30 minutes/week)
- Fully automated PLC controls
- Modular and expandable system design
- Easy retrofitting for existing plants
- Available as packaged units
- Long-lasting media and low lifecycle cost

How Much Wastewater Can the AquaDisk Filter Process?
Each disk is two meters in diameter and can process up to 500,000 GPD with configurations available from 4 to 24 disks in the AquaDisk® filter.
- Aqua MiniDisk®: Compact systems for small plants
- Aqua MegaDisk®: High-capacity units for larger facilities
What Are the Operator Requirements?
The AquaDisk® Filter requires very little operator attention. Reviewing the filter daily takes about 30 minutes per week.
Is Pilot Testing Available?

Yes! Pilot test trailers are readily available. While most applications do not require pilot testing, it can be crucial when selecting and optimizing filtration equipment for unique wastewater. This process confirms that the AquaDisk filter will work easily with specific wastewater conditions, providing valuable data on the expected hydraulic throughput, performance, backwash frequency, or the need for filter aids.
Where are AquaDisk® Filters Made?
The AquaDisk® Filters are built in Rockford, IL and they meet all Made in the USA requirements.
How Many Active AquaDisk® Filters are there?
Over 1,000 AquaDisk filters are operating in North America and more than 2,000 worldwide.
Is Maintenance Required?
The cloth media is the primary wear part and typically lasts 5–7 years, depending on influent quality and operating conditions. As the media wears, backwash frequency increases, and performance may decline. Media replacement is simple: two technicians can replace media in one day on a 1 MGD unit with four disks.
Learn More or Request a Pilot Test

AquaDisk® Filters offer proven reliability and high effluent quality for diverse applications. Contact us to:
- Schedule a pilot test
- Request design assistance
- Obtain sizing or a budget proposal
Contact Envirep
Envirep serves the municipal and industrial water and wastewater market in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Do you need help selecting the right equipment for your application? Contact Envirep today!