CONSTRUCTED WETLANDS

Wetlands are nature's way of purifying water and eliminating wastes. Used in Europe for decades to treat agricultural and municipal wastewater, constructed wetlands have now been developed that can effectively treat wastewater from single family residences. Constructed wetlands are particularly appropriate for areas where water quality concerns and soil conditions make conventional leaching bed systems unsuitable.

As wastewater flows through the wetland, organic matter and pathogens are eliminated by natural chemical and biological processes. Plants utilize nitrogen, phosphorus and simple compounds to grow, in turn producing oxygen in the root zone. This fosters increased microbial activity in the wetland, resulting in an elegant and efficient method of treating wastewater.


The Lissom Earth Sciences Constructed Wetland will vary in size depending on how big your home is and the number of people living there.

Various factors dictate whether an above ground or in-ground unit is most appropriate. Soil depth, water table depth, location of buildings and wells, and even size and shape of your property are some of the factors taken into consideration in the design of your constructed wetland. Sub-surface construction eliminates worries about odours or mosquitoes.

Soil, sand and gravel in the constructed wetland control the wastewater flow and provide physical support for the wetland vegetation. Plants are an essential part of the water treatment process. Reeds and sedges, noted for their deep roots and ability to treat wastewater, form the backbone of the constructed wetland planting. A wide variety of ornamental plants can be included in the final planting design.



Many different plants can be used to achieve varied effects, making your constructed wetland a visually appealing addition to your property. Careful consideration should be given to your constructed wetland garden design. To function efficiently, the wetland plants should be allowed time to establish their root systems, and then left in place to actively treat the wastewater from your home.





DESIGN YOUR OWN SEPTIC SYSTEM!

There are a variety of ways your constructed wetland can be planted, depending on what kind of garden you would like to achieve. Depending on what you plant, you can attract birds, butterflies or grow a feast for the eyes!
Try designing your own!

Lissom Earth Sciences is committed to finding innovative solutions to the problems of onsite sewage disposal. We believe that constructed wetlands offer a viable alternative to conventional septic bed systems in unserviced rural areas.