Wetlands are Infrastructure

Wetlands make clean water just by being themselves.​

 

Wetlands are highly effective in reducing nutrients from wastewater run-off. Since wastewater effluent is essentially fertilizer, wetlands will happily use the run-off to fuel their plant growth. Nutrient reduction is an important function of wetlands, mitigating negative impacts of nutrients like algae blooms or coastal dead zones. Wetlands do this without requiring fossil fuels for power or large amounts of maintenance, making them a cost-effective option when employed.   

 

In Arcata, California, wetlands have been used for municipal wastewater treatment since 1986. In their system, wastewater goes through primary and secondary treatment, where sludge and pathogens are removed, then sent through a series of wetland ponds that results in a final product fitting federal regulations for water quality. The wetland also provides habitat for over 270 kinds of birds as well as other wildlife. 

Furthermore, the wetland operates with significantly lower maintenance costs, 500,000 USD/year compared with 1,500,000 USD/year.

 

Learn more the benefits and limitations of wetlands wastewater treatment here.