With over 500 units currently installed across New Zealand, Filterra® is the leading green infrastructure solution for stormwater treatment. This pre-engineered, plug-and-play micro biofiltration system removes a wide range of pollutants, including heavy metals, nutrients, fine sediment, dissolved contaminants, oil, TSS, and gross pollutants, using natural biological processes.
Filterra®
Market leading biofiltration system with a small footprint.
Developed after decades of research, Filterra® delivers enhanced treatment outcomes with just 10% of the footprint of traditional rain gardens.
It is designed to treat flow rates up to 4450mm/hr, with a maximum treatable flow rate of 7000mm/hr, ensuring high performance under high-flow conditions.
The system is engineered for low maintenance, with media that does not require replacement under normal operating conditions, making it one of the most cost-effective solutions available.
For larger-scale developments, explore the scalable capabilities of Filterra Bioscape.
10%
Footprint
Compared to traditional rain gardens
99%
Zn
Dissolved Zn Removal as tested by Canterbury University treating degraded galvanized roof
4,450
mm/hr
Approved media infiltration rate for local applications
95%
TSS Removal
Maximum % removal tested in third-party field trials
How it works
Benefits
Filterra® provides enhanced treatment outcomes while requiring as little as 10% of the footprint of traditional rain gardens. The footprint can be minimised due to the high infiltration rate of the engineered media used.
Manufactured in New Zealand from locally sourced materials, the Filterra® complements Low Impact Design (LID) principles. New Zealand native plant species promote biodiversity, community and cultural outcomes.
Only the mulch layer needs to be replaced every 6-12 months, sourced from an approved third-party supplier. Under normal conditions the media and plants should not need replacing. Planting, commissioning and 12 months of maintenance are included in the supply of the Filterra®.
A plug-and-play device with fewer, smaller units Filterra® can offer a substantial capital cost saving when compared to bespoke rain garden designs. Additionally, with no confined space requirements and off-road solutions, there are further cost savings for stakeholders. Independently Verified Life Cycle Cost data available on request.
Filterra® engineered media undergoes at least 25 quality assurance assessments to ensure pollutant removal, hydraulic conductivity and performance over time. Each batch takes over a month to produce, and is guaranteed to not leach or transform contaminants such as phosphorous or copper. Plant trials have established successful plants for long term health of the system, and rigorous third-party tests in New Zealand, Canada, USA and Australia are available to demonstrate its TSS, metals and nutrient removal capabilities.
Applications
Typical applications
Ideally suited to land development projects, where economical treatment of large catchment areas is the main priority, Filterra® can provide treatment in a range of applications:
- Subdivision roading
- Local roads
- JOAL/accessway treatment
- Car parks for schools, commercial and retail
- Industrial sites with elevated metals (specialist design may be required)
Custom applications
Filterra® shifts the boundaries of what was previously possible with green infrastructure. Stormwater360 can provide a customised solution for your project considering the design infiltration rate and safety factor for your land-use.
Our service includes all approvals, calculation sheets and drawings, and a range of tools are available to assist with your Filterra® design, contact us today for further information.
Maintenance & Operations
High flow bioretention plants are sourced and supplied with a 12-month warranty ensuring healthy and robust vegetation. Stormwater360 operate and maintain the Filterra® for the first 12 months.
Design your own
for site specific needs
Use our free online sizing tool for instant DIY sizing and technical specifications.
Planting Palette
Plant health is essential for the long-term performance and sustainability of biofiltration systems, and high infiltration rate soils can restrict plants’ ability to grow.
With over 50 plants comprehensively tested by Stormwater360, we are confident that the New Zealand native species proposed by us will be successful in Filterra® installations. Our plant guide features a range of grasses and trees that align with local authority bioretention plant lists.
Configurations
Manhole
The proven Filterra® technology is combined with the simplicity and ease of installing a manhole to create a versatile treatment solution that can easily be integrated into wider landscaping. Available in DN1050 and DN1200 options, Manhole Filterra® can be used where the supply of a precast vault is impractical or not required.
Vault
Standard Filterra® supply is in precast vaults from 1.2m x 1.2m, up to 4m x 2.1m. The treatable catchment area is up to 2,500m² in most locations, or 5,000m² in Christchurch. Vaults are supplied to the site pre-filled with media, the contractor simply needs to place the unit and connect to the network.
Roof
Custom solution for treating dissolved metals from roofs and other impermeable surfaces. Talk to us for more information.
Drawings and Resources
Filterra® Rolleston Case Study
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Filterra® Westgate Case Study
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Filterra® and Cascade Separator at Coatesville-Riverhead Highway and Dairy Flat Highway Roundabout
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Filterra® Hereford Street Case Study
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Whitianga Marina Redevelopment Case Study
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Filterra® Atkinson Avenue Case Study
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Filterra® at Bunnings Warehouse Case Study
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New Zealand Plant Growth Trials in Rapid Biofiltration Media
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Research Article - Evaluating the Equivalency of a High Rate Biofiltration BMP to Traditional Biofiltration
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Research Article - A Large Multi-Functional Bioretention Device
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Research Article - Are Quality Control Quality Assurance Procedures Needed for Bioretention Treatment Devices
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Research Article - Development of a Rapid Biofiltration Media using Local Materials
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Research Article - Plant Growth Trials in Rapid Filtration Media
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Common Questions
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