Designscapes, Inc.
Award-Winning Landscape Design in Michigan
WASTE WATER MANAGEMENT IN THE LANDSCAPE
DEMONSTRATION WASTE WATER TREATMENT WETLAND FOR SAGINAW METAL CASTING OPERATIONS (SMCO) Plan showing the treatment area to the left, feeding the stream and pond Treated water in stream
As an alternative to a conventional septic field, you may want to consider a sub-surface flow wetland. This is a much more environmentally sound approach to handling waste water than a septic field.
The constructed wetland actually CLEANS the waste water before releasing it to a drain field. There is no odor or open water. In fact, the treatment area looks like a garden space filled with water loving perennials.
The principle is very simple. The waste water flows horizontally through a gravel bed with plants growing in it. The plant roots filter the water and remove the nutrients. The plants also help support the growth of beneficial bacteria. The bacteria break down the waste products into a form that the plants can use.
Covering this gravel bed is an insulating blanket of peat moss. The peat moss keeps the bed warm enough during the winter that it still works effectively. It also keeps any odors from escaping.
You will still need a septic tank and drain field, but this drain field will be half the normal size. Unlike other engineered systems, there is no mechanical equipment to operate or maintain. The costs are similar to other engineered waste water disposal systems.
Sub-surface waste water treatment wetland
Cleaned water discharged from wetland
