Retrofitting wastewater infrastructure into an existing MPA is one of the most difficult challenges in marine conservation. Conventional treatment plants are expensive, energy-intensive, and impossible to install in remote island communities without roads, electricity, or construction equipment. Raja Ampat needed something different.
The ReefSaver is a three-stage wastewater treatment system invented by Jack Burns. Stage one: a Penguin bioseptic tank (primary treatment). Stage two: a custom two-chamber fiberglass treatment tank with pumice stone media and a PVC pipe manifold (secondary treatment). Stage three: a vetiver grass wetland bed that removes nitrogen and pathogens (tertiary treatment). Gravity-powered. No electricity required. Modular and scalable for homestays, dive resorts, and coastal households. The first system was installed at Raja Ampat Eco Lodge in the Dampier Strait, inside the MPA.
The ReefSaver — invented by Jack Burns. Stage one: Penguin bioseptic tank (primary). Stage two: two-chamber fiberglass tank with pumice stone media and PVC pipe manifold (secondary). Stage three: vetiver grass wetland bed (tertiary). Piloted at Raja Ampat Eco Lodge, Dampier Strait.
How the ReefSaver Works
The ReefSaver is a three-stage wastewater treatment system invented by Jack Burns. Stage one: a Penguin bioseptic tank (primary treatment). Stage two: a custom two-chamber fiberglass treatment tank with pumice stone media and a PVC pipe manifold (secondary treatment). Stage three: a vetiver grass wetland bed that removes nitrogen and pathogens (tertiary treatment). The system is gravity-powered and requires no electricity.
Vetiver grass is a powerful natural nitrogen filter. Its deep root system absorbs nitrogen and other pollutants at rates that outperform most engineered systems. Combined with the bio-septic stage, the ReefSaver achieves tertiary treatment — the only level that genuinely protects coral reefs from sewage nutrient pollution.
ReefSaver Features
- Gravity-Powered
No electricity or pumps needed — works entirely through natural water flow
- Modular Design
Scalable system that can be adapted for households, homestays, or larger facilities
- Penguin Bioseptic Tank
Primary treatment: removes solids and begins breaking down organic matter
- Vetiver Grass Wetland Bed
Tertiary treatment: vetiver root system removes nitrogen and pathogens before water returns to the environment
- Easy Installation
Designed for remote island communities without specialized construction equipment
- Tertiary Treatment
Achieves the highest level of treatment — protecting reefs from nutrient pollution
From Toilet to Reef
Four systems, very different outcomes. Only tertiary treatment — like the ReefSaver — fully protects coral reefs from sewage pollution.
Soak Pit
Faecal bacteria, pathogens, and nutrients move freely to reef.
Septic Tank Only
Solids settle, but dirty water still reaches the reef.
Bioseptic Tank
Some treatment happens, but nutrients still kill corals.
ReefSaver
Nutrients removed. Reefs protected.
Who Is the ReefSaver Built For?
Homestays
Tourism homestays inside the MPA that generate guest wastewater with no existing treatment infrastructure
Dive Resorts & Lodges
Tourism facilities seeking tertiary treatment to comply with MPA regulations and protect the reefs they depend on
Coastal Households
Families in coastal villages needing affordable, low-maintenance wastewater treatment that protects groundwater and reef health
Programme Infographic
The ReefSaver System
Penelitian Ecowisata Papua (PEP) · ReefSaver System
The ReefSaver
A three-stage wastewater treatment system invented by Jack Burns for remote island communities
Primary Treatment
Penguin Bioseptic Tank
Sealed tank separates solids from liquid. No leakage. No soak pit. Solids are retained and broken down anaerobically.
Secondary Treatment
Two-Chamber Fiberglass Tank
Custom two-chamber tank with pumice stone media and PVC pipe manifold. Removes organic load and further reduces pathogens.
Tertiary Treatment
Vetiver Grass Wetland Bed
Vetiver roots take 12 months to fully establish. Meaningful water quality monitoring begins at 6 months. Removes nitrogen and pathogens.