Frequently Asked Questions
How do treatment wetlands meet stringent safety standards without chemicals?
Wetlands are among the most biologically productive ecosystems on earth and have the capacity to transform many of the common pollutants found in wastewater into harmless byproducts or essential nutrients that can be used in other biological productivity. These transformations are accomplished by virtue of the wetlands’ land area with its inherent environmental energies of sun, wind, soil, plants, and animals. Treatment wetlands have been shown to exceed tertiary treatment standards and have been operating safely and effectively throughout the United States and Europe for more than 30 years. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency promotes the use of treatment wetlands for effective treatment of wastewater and for creation and restoration of vital wetland habitat and biodiversity.
Do these systems work in all climates and settings?
Using specialized designs and systems, Natural Systems Utilities can design treatment wetlands to address most wastewater challenges, including those posed by extremely cold climates, constraints on land availability, and pollutants from industrial and agricultural processes. NSU can help clients evaluate their water treatment options and design systems to meet their needs. In virtually every instance, NSU’s solutions will be the most environmentally sustainable, cost effective, and energy efficient options available.
What about odors?
Treatment wetlands can in fact be used to reduce or eliminate the odors typically associated with wastewater. NSU designs its systems so that wastewater flows under a gravel surface. Noxious odors are trapped and in fact become food for the microorganisms attached to the gravel and plant root surfaces.
How do construction and operating costs compare with conventional systems?
Wetlands are one of the least expensive wastewater solutions to construct and maintain. NSU’s systems typically cost much less than conventional systems to build and as much as 65 percent less to operate than conventional mechanical systems. NSU’s technologies rely on nature to do most of the work for free!
What factors determine the size and choice of technology deployed?
Several factors affect the size and other design parameters of a treatment wetland, most notably the anticipated hydrologic and pollutant loads. Where space is not a constraint, it is possible to design a system that not only meets wastewater treatment goals but also provides wetland habitat and recreational options. In more space-constrained settings, NSU’s technological options can be used to intensify the biological processes and thus use less space or produce results more quickly. In dense urban settings, NSU can design systems that combine features of natural systems with biomimicry technologies such as membrane bioreactors.