Frequently Asked Questions
Operational, hygiene, cleaning, reporting and compliance questions we are asked most often. If yours is not here, ring 027 313 0280 and ask.
Can you inspect a drinking water reservoir without draining it?
In suitable circumstances, yes. The method depends on the reservoir configuration, water-quality requirements, supplier procedures, access and operating conditions.
Can you clean a drinking water reservoir while it remains full?
Potentially. VAC Boss can provide a remote cleaning option for suitable assets, but the decision is site-specific and depends on water quality, hydraulics, outlets, sediment conditions and agreed operational controls.
How do you control hygiene for potable-water work?
The potable-water methodology includes equipment suitability checks, cleaning and disinfection controls, pre-entry hygiene procedures and any additional requirements specified by the drinking water supplier.
Do you provide turbidity monitoring?
Where required by the agreed methodology, turbidity monitoring can be incorporated to help observe potential water-quality impacts during cleaning.
Can you remove wastewater sludge?
Yes, for suitable applications. Sludge Boss is used for remote sludge and sediment removal after an initial assessment of sludge depth, access, pumping requirements and the agreed containment or disposal pathway.
Do you provide video and reports?
Yes. Depending on scope and visibility, deliverables can include inspection video, photographs, before-and-after footage, observations, cleaning records and practical maintenance recommendations.
Do you only use ROV methods?
No. We can recommend remote inspection, robotic cleaning, conventional drain-down cleaning or a hybrid approach depending on the asset and required outcome.
Can you certify that a fire water tank or drinking water asset is compliant?
Our service provides inspection, cleaning and supporting records within the agreed scope. Statutory certification, IQP sign-off, drinking-water compliance and specialist engineering or fire-system certification remain with the relevant qualified or responsible parties.
Can an ROV inspection confirm a structural defect?
It can identify visible signs that warrant further investigation, but visual ROV inspection does not replace structural engineering, non-destructive testing or material testing where these are required.
Where do you work?
We are based in Tauranga and work across New Zealand. Reservoirs, ponds and fire water tanks are wherever the infrastructure is, and the equipment travels with us.
What information helps you quote?
The asset type, approximate dimensions and depth, the access arrangement, the floor or liner type, what you know about the sediment or sludge, and whether the asset can stay in service. For a wastewater pond, the treatment flows and where the sludge can go. If you do not have all of it, the inspection is how we find out.
What is the best first step?
Start with an inspection. It gives both parties a clearer picture of the asset, sediment or sludge conditions and the most practical maintenance method.
Resources
The client datasheets and the oxidation pond cleaning brochure are available to download:
- VAC Boss ROV reservoir cleaning system - client datasheet (PDF)
- Sludge Boss - technical data sheet (PDF)
- Sludge Boss - oxidation pond cleaning brochure (PDF)
The full regulatory framework is on the Standards & Compliance page, and the equipment is described on the Technology page.
Other Services
Remote inspection and cleaning for drinking water, wastewater, fire water and industrial water assets across New Zealand. Every job starts with an inspection, so the method is chosen from what is actually inside the asset.

Drinking Water - VAC Boss
Potable-water ROV inspection and robotic sediment removal, with asset-specific hygiene, disinfection and water-quality controls. Read more
Wastewater - Sludge Boss
Remote inspection and sludge removal for wastewater tanks, ponds, lagoons, wet wells and treatment assets. Read more
Fire Water Tanks
Condition inspection, sediment assessment and cleaning options that support fire-water system maintenance and asset records. Read more
ROV Inspection & Condition Assessment
High-definition video, photographic records and observations of submerged components, sediment and visible defects. Read more
Industrial Water Infrastructure
Remote inspection and cleaning for process water, raw water, settling tanks and difficult-to-access submerged assets. Read moreNeed to know what is happening inside your tank or reservoir?
Start with an inspection. We can help establish the condition of the asset and recommend a practical next step based on what is actually found. Tell us what the asset is, roughly where it is and what you need to know, and we will come back to you.
027 313 0280- [email protected]
- Based in Tauranga, Bay of Plenty - working across New Zealand
- Drinking water, wastewater, fire water and industrial water assets
Helpful to have on hand: the asset type and approximate size, depth, access arrangement, floor or liner type, and whether it can stay in service. If you do not know yet, that is fine - the inspection is how we find out.