Wetlands (reed beds) or subsurface flow
wetlands (artificial wetlands) are an ecologically
sustainable method to treat all domestic type waste water.
They use natural processes for treatment, require no
electricity or chemicals and can be utilised on near flat
sites using gravity flow. The treated effluent is of a
suitable quality for use in your garden or toilet flushing
(with disinfection) and retains valuable nutrients.
Reed beds are constructed from readily
available materials including gravel and coarse sand, an
impermeable liner and of course reeds, which grow
hydroponically. Inlet and outlet waste water pipes are
positioned below the gravel surface so the standing water
level is always below the gravel. This stops mosquitoes and
children accessing the waste water and stops odours escaping
the reed bed. Reed beds are :
- Effective sediment traps
- Breakdown organic material and
- Produce high quality waste
water for sensitive environments
- Remove nutrients such as
Nitrogen & Phosphorus.
The reed bed is sized according to
the number of persons whose waste water is directed to it
from either a septic tank or wet composting toilet system.
Beneficial micro organisms (bugs) provide most of the
wastewater treatment by aerobic and anaerobic processes.
Maintenance of a well designed and
constructed reed bed is minimal. Annual reed growth should
be cut back and can be reused as mulch for the garden.
Click here to see a cross section of a Eco-Reed Bed. |