Protecting New Zealand’s Waterways Through Smart, Sustainable Design
Mitigating Urban Runoff in Auckland: Up‑Flo® Filter Delivers Proven Stormwater Treatment
Urban development across New Zealand continues to place pressure on local waterways, especially during heavy rainfall events when stormwater runoff carries fine sediments, hydrocarbons, heavy metals, and organic contaminants into receiving environments. Meeting regional stormwater regulations requires treatment solutions that are high‑performing and resilient.
For a recent carpark extension project in Auckland, Hydro International partnered with Hynds and LDE – Engineers & Scientists to deliver a robust, high‑efficiency stormwater treatment system built around the Up‑Flo® Filter.
A Challenging Site Requiring High‑Performance Treatment
The project required a solution capable of removing:
- Fine sediments
- Heavy metals
- Hydrocarbons
- Organics and organic‑bound bacteria
- General stormwater contaminants
The treatment system needed to integrate seamlessly into a constrained urban site while meeting Auckland’s strict stormwater quality requirements.
Engineered for Performance: The Up‑Flo® Filter
To meet the project’s treatment criteria, a 15‑module Up‑Flo® Filter was selected and installed within a Hynds precast concrete chamber.
The Up‑Flo® Filter combines:
- A patented upwards flow path for maximum media contact
- A unique drain‑down system to prevent standing water
- High pollutant removal efficiency across variable flow rates
- A compact footprint ideal for space‑constrained urban environments
Stormwater enters the manhole sump, passes upward through the filter media bags, and is treated before discharging into the stormwater network.
Image source Hynds
A Seamless Installation Through Strong Partnership
Working closely with Hynds, LDE, and contractor Elite, the project team delivered a smooth installation. Hynds supplied a 2550 mm diameter manhole fitted with 15 Up‑Flo® Filter modules, providing a durable, accessible, and long‑lasting treatment structure.
The installation was completed in under an hour — a testament to the efficiency of the design and the coordination between all partners.
Key Benefits of the Up‑Flo® Filter
- Removes fine sediments, nutrients, heavy metals, hydrocarbons, and organics
- Customisable to suit site‑specific treatment requirements
- Consistent performance even under fluctuating flow conditions
- Compact footprint ideal for urban sites
- Simple, cost‑effective maintenance with easy access to filter bags
- Durable construction for long service life
- Supports compliance with regional water‑quality regulations
Image source Hynds
Proud of our partnership with Hynds in New Zealand
Our long‑standing partnership with Hynds enables us to deliver high‑quality, site‑specific stormwater solutions across New Zealand. Their expertise in precast infrastructure and local project delivery ensures that Hydro International's technologies; including the Up‑Flo® Filter; are installed efficiently and built to last.
Together, we’re supporting cleaner waterways, healthier communities, and resilient urban development across Aotearoa.
Image source Hynds
Want to know more?
Discover how the Up‑Flo® Filter delivers certified, high‑performance stormwater treatment for urban environments in New Zealand and worldwide.