Australia’s waterways face increasing pressure from urbanisation, climate change, and nutrient-rich runoff. Hydro International’s stormwater treatment device Up-Flo™ Filter, recently certified under the Stormwater Quality Improvement Device Evaluation Protocol (SQIDEP), offers a proven, high-performance solution for removing nitrogen and phosphorus; two key contributors to harmful algal blooms that threaten aquatic ecosystems and public health.

This certification is a milestone for Australian councils, developers, and water authorities seeking validated, low-impact design (LID) solutions.

SQIDEP Certification: Proven Performance

SQIDEP, developed by Stormwater Australia, sets rigorous standards for verifying stormwater treatment devices under real-world conditions. The Up-Flo™ Filter’s certification confirms:

• Reliable nutrient removal, proprietary CPZ™ removes up to 94% of total suspended solids (TSS) plus total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), heavy metals and hydrocarbons
• Hydraulic efficiency, even under variable flow rates

• Straightforward maintenance using replaceable media packs

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Why Nitrogen and Phosphorus Removal Matters

Excess nitrogen and phosphorus in stormwater runoff act as fertilizers for algae and aquatic plants. While this might sound beneficial, it leads to:

• Algalblooms, which deplete oxygen in water and block sunlight
• Fish kills, due to hypoxia and toxin release
• Degraded water quality, affecting recreation, biodiversity, and drinking water sources

The Up-Flo™ Filter targets these pollutants through advanced filtration and media-based treatment, making it ideal for urban catchments, industrial sites, and high-risk runoff zones.

Its modular design allows for scalable installation across a wide range of site conditions, and its high-flow bypass ensures consistent performance even during peak storm events. Unlike sediment traps that only capture solids, the Up-Flo™ Filter actively removes dissolved nutrients making it a powerful tool for protecting sensitive waterways and meeting regulatory requirements.

Integrated Water Management in Victoria

The Up-Flo™ Filter aligns with Victoria’s Integrated Water Management (IWM) framework, which promotes:

• Holistic planning across water, wastewater, and stormwater systems
• Collaborative delivery of water-sensitive urban design (WSUD)
• Resilient cities and towns, through reduced pollution and improved liveability

By integrating Up-Flo™ Filter into IWM strategies, stakeholders can enhance water security, protect ecosystems, and meet sustainability goals.

Onsite images source Civilmart

Partnering with Civilmart

Hydro International’s Up-Flo™ Filter is available across Australia through our CRH sister company Civilmart, which proudly supports councils, engineers, and developers with:

• Local manufacturing and distribution
• Installation expertise
• Ongoing support for compliance and maintenance

Together, Civilmart and Hydro International are helping Australian communities build cleaner, safer, and more resilient water infrastructure.

Let’s protect our waterways; one filter at a time. 

Author: Craig Murray, Water Solutions Consultant.