Hydro-vac excavation has become an essential part of modern construction and utility work. It allows operators to dig safely around buried cables and pipelines using pressurized water and suction instead of mechanical equipment. However, this process produces large volumes of slurry water, a mixture of soil, clay, and water that must be managed properly. In most cases, this slurry is collected and hauled away for disposal, which is costly, time-consuming, and environmentally inefficient.

Today, many hydro-vac companies are dealing with higher disposal costs and stricter environmental regulations. Every gallon of slurry hauled to a landfill or treatment site represents wasted water and money. Fortunately, this waste problem can be turned into a recycling opportunity. With TigerFloc, operators can treat and recycle slurry water on-site, allowing them to reuse clean water and significantly reduce disposal expenses.

The Challenge of Hydro-Vac Wastewater

Each hydro-vac project generates a large amount of dirty water filled with fine sediments, clay, silt, and sometimes traces of oil or fuel. Because this slurry is highly turbid and difficult to separate naturally, it cannot be released into the environment or reused safely. Disposal facilities often charge by volume, and transporting heavy liquid waste adds extra costs in fuel and equipment wear.

In some regions, disposal can cost hundreds of dollars per load, not including travel and downtime. As companies take on more projects, these expenses add up quickly. Beyond cost, constant waste hauling increases emissions and environmental impact. The need for an efficient, on-site treatment system has become more important than ever for hydro-vac operators who want to stay competitive.

How TigerFloc Solves the Problem

TigerFloc, developed by Floc Systems Inc., offers a simple and effective solution for turning dirty hydro-vac slurry into reusable water. It is a natural mineral-based flocculant that causes fine particles, clay, and suspended solids to clump together and settle rapidly.

When TigerFloc is added to slurry water, the reaction begins almost immediately. The fine particles form heavier clusters, or flocs, that sink to the bottom while clear water rises to the top. The clarified water can then be pumped back into the hydro-vac system for reuse, and the compact solids left behind can be easily removed and disposed of at a much lower cost.

A typical on-site setup uses the TigerFloc Water Treatment Kit or flocculant belts placed directly inside settling tanks or dewatering bags. This approach can treat very large volumes of slurry water per minute potentially hundreds of gallons, depending on the pumping system. It requires no complicated machinery, and noticeably clearer water is often achieved within a minute or two.

Key Benefits for Hydro-Vac Operators

Reduced Disposal Costs: By separating solids from water on-site, operators can reduce waste volume significantly. Less hauling means fewer disposal trips, lower fuel use, and immediate cost savings.

Water Reuse: The clarified water can be recycled directly into the hydro-vac unit for ongoing excavation work, reducing the need for fresh water deliveries.

Faster Job Turnaround: With TigerFloc, operators can treat water continuously without waiting for natural settling or scheduling disposal runs, improving efficiency and uptime.

Environmentally Friendly: TigerFloc is non-toxic, biodegradable, and pH-stable, meaning it works safely in a wide range of conditions. It helps companies meet environmental compliance goals while reducing their carbon footprint.

Compact and Scalable: TigerFloc systems are portable and easy to scale for different job sizes. Whether handling small cleanup jobs or large excavation sites, it fits seamlessly into existing workflows.

Conclusion

Hauling and dumping slurry water is one of the biggest ongoing costs in hydro-vac operations. By using TigerFloc, operators can recycle slurry water on-site, reduce disposal fees, save on fuel and labor, and work more sustainably. The process is quick, easy to manage, and delivers clear water that meets discharge standards and is ready for reuse.

At Floc Systems Inc., we specialize in helping hydro-vac operators and construction teams streamline water treatment with natural, effective, and eco-friendly solutions. Our TigerFloc systems are designed to save money and protect the environment without slowing down operations.

Get a TigerFloc fact sheet or request a quote today. Contact us to learn how we can help your company recycle water, cut costs, and handle slurry management efficiently with care and expertise.