PRETX
PRETX
A Smarter First Step in Stormwater Protection
Pretreatment Filter for Biofiltration Systems
PRETX is a purpose-built pretreatment system that stops sediment, trash, and debris at the source. By intercepting pollutants before they reach the biofilter media or infiltration bed, it keeps stormwater systems operating at peak performance. The result is cleaner water, longer system life, and less time and money spent on maintenance.
Nexterra's PRETX combines quick installation with dependable debris capture, giving stormwater systems a reliable head start. By trapping trash, sediment, and other pollutants at the point of entry, it keeps flows cleaner and prevents downstream systems from becoming overloaded. This protection helps bioretention and infiltration media maintain peak performance while reducing the maintenance burden that often comes with clogged treatment areas. PRETX also fits smoothly into both new projects and retrofit installations, offering a practical solution without the need for special tools or complicated setup.
Powerful Protection Where It Counts
Green infrastructure depends on keeping pretreatment effective from the very start. PRETX stops pollutants at the inlet so downstream filters can work as intended. Key performance advantages include:
- Captures trash, debris, and sediment at the inlet, keeping biofilters clear and functional.
- Preserves infiltration rates and prevents premature clogging of treatment media.
- Keeps high traffic or high loading areas clean while improving overall stormwater quality.
By controlling pollutants before they spread through the system, PRETX extends the lifespan of downstream treatment and keeps infiltration areas clear. The result is a cleaner, more efficient stormwater network that lowers long term costs and saves valuable maintenance time.
How PRETX Works
PRETX looks and installs like a standard catch basin or grate, but it performs far beyond the ordinary. Acting as a dedicated pretreatment chamber, it captures debris, sediment, and floatables at the entry point before they can move through the network.
As stormwater flows through the structure, pollutants settle into a sump while cleaner water continues to downstream biofiltration or infiltration systems. This simple process protects treatment media from clogging, maintains flow rates, and reduces maintenance time. Routine cleaning with standard equipment keeps the system performing efficiently year after year.
Advantages You Can Count On
Built for the constant demands of modern stormwater systems, PRETX stands up to heavy debris, sediment, and unpredictable flow conditions. Its solid construction and easy maintenance keep operations smooth, giving engineers and owners confidence that performance will remain consistent long after installation. Key benefits include:
- Two configurations for flexible design: Curb and Drop models.
- PRETX-Curb: replaces stone spreaders at pavement-edge runoff points.
- PRETX-Drop: installs easily beneath standard grates for drop-inlet sites.
- Sized to handle water quality flows while bypassing higher flows with minimal debris carryover.
- Fits seamlessly into both new and retrofit applications.
- Protects biofilters, bioretention systems, and infiltration trenches from clogging.
- Built with precast concrete, HDPE, and stainless steel for long-term durability.
- Maintained easily with vactor trucks and accessible covers.
- Typical one to two-year return on investment for moderate to high debris load sites.
Each unit delivers consistent, measurable results while simplifying installation and upkeep across a wide range of site types.
Smart Design, Simple to Maintain
Projects move faster when installation is straightforward and maintenance is predictable. PRETX installs quickly using familiar construction practices similar to standard catch basins and grates. No special tools or training are required, and upkeep is simple, cost-effective, and easy to schedule.
Design flexibility ensures it adapts to different site configurations, allowing engineers to integrate pretreatment without disrupting established drainage layouts.
Practical Applications
Pretreatment is a critical first step wherever trash, sediment, and debris can compromise system efficiency. PRETX provides the protection that green infrastructure systems depend on, maintaining water quality and long-term reliability across diverse urban and suburban settings.
Common applications include:
- Bioretention systems managing roadway or parking lot runoff.
- Bioswales requiring protection from trash and fine sediment.
- Infiltration trenches where clogging can reduce recharge capacity.
- Green infrastructure projects with heavy debris loads or frequent maintenance needs.
By capturing pollutants at the point of entry, PRETX protects the investment in downstream systems and preserves both function and appearance over time.
Upstream and Downstream Integration
Effective pretreatment begins with upstream control and extends through downstream protection. PRETX integrates easily into larger stormwater networks, ensuring that every system component performs as designed.
Typical integration points include:
- Upstream flow conveyance: directing runoff efficiently into the PRETX unit for initial debris capture.
- Sediment and floatable containment: within the chamber to prevent pollutant migration.
- Downstream filtration or infiltration systems: that receive cleaner inflow, maintaining infiltration rates and media longevity.
- Overflow or bypass pathways: that safely route excess water during heavy rainfall without carrying debris forward.
By connecting pretreatment with downstream management, PRETX supports continuous system performance, reduced maintenance frequency, and long-term stormwater quality.
Performance You Can Trust
Engineered for reliability, PRETX delivers consistent capture efficiency and long-term performance. Built with corrosion-resistant materials, it confines debris in a dry sump for easy removal while maintaining safe access for maintenance crews. The result is lower operational cost, longer system life, and cleaner water flowing through every part of the stormwater network. Performance highlights include:
- Dependable debris and sediment capture at the inlet, preventing downstream clogging.
- Configurations for both curb and drop-inlet applications.
- Durable precast concrete and stainless steel construction for lasting strength.
- Maintenance cycles that extend far beyond untreated systems.
- Proven cost savings through reduced media replacement and fewer service visits.
Additional Resources
Design specifications, installation details, and maintenance guides are available from Nexterra to assist with system sizing, integration, and long-term upkeep planning.
Support Material
Nexterra Environmental partners with leading manufacturers to deliver the industry’s most trusted solutions.