In either an AdvanTex Textile Filter or Intermittent or Recirculating Sand Filter system, sewage effluent is filtered through an enclosed bed of engineered media and collector drains before it is pumped to the drainfield. A media filter between the septic tank and drainfield promotes a better combination of anerobic and aerobic conditions required in the denitrification process. A media filter system incorporates an effluent filter preventing suspended solids from clogging septic drainfields. If the drainfield is pressurized it can be irregular in shape to avoid property limitations such as trees, topography, wet depressions or rock outcroppings. Systems can be designed above ground, partially buried or fully buried to satisfy local soil conditions.

Communal systems are even more cost effective. A (STEP) system entails installing a septic tank with a screened pump at each house and connecting them with a small bore pressure main to a single large recirculating sand filter and either a conventional or shallow buried trench drainfield or other type of final disposal. Because there is an economy of scale, the cost to each homeowner can be as little as $6.500.00 to $10,000.00 (Canadian) per home which includes a STEP Collection System a Tertiary Wastewater Treatment Plant and final disposal.