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THE OUTLOOK: Created wetlands are simple, natural, and changing systems. They give us the opportunity to manage our wastes in the pleasant form of a garden. The following guidelines will help you to take care of your system, which is necessary for
its continued functioning.
THE PLANTS: If we did not plant your system, review the Constructed Wetland Planting Guidelines. Once the wetland is planted, it is best to maintain the level of water at the bottom of the roots for three months to encourage root growth downward. Initially, if the system does not receive wastewater, fill the wetland with water from a hose. After a time, perhaps you will find some dieback or bare spots that should be replanted.
As your system matures, also watch for plant offspring and invasive weeds. Take them out by the root if possible. Keep the area above the PVC tubes (the front and back of the bed) and collection box free of plants. The real utility of the plants is to create a root matrix for microbial growth. If the matrix is too dense, the flow becomes blocked. It is typical to prune plants like cattail and bulrush several times per year, which will encourage new growth and nutrient uptake. Treat the wetland system like the garden it is by giving it attention, with the sanitary precautions indicated below.
THE WATER LEVEL: After the first three months of observation, it is important to raise and maintain the water level to 5 cm. below the surface of the gravel to mitigate odors and mosquitoes. If the habitation is empty for two weeks or longer, periodically flush the toilets to keep water flowing through the system, and maintain the water level in the wetland with a garden hose.
Check the water level in the standpipes located on the sides of the wetland, and in the collection box of the exit end. The standpipe in the collection box should move like a pendulum to control the level of water in the wetland. Keep the PVC elbow well-sanded.
THE DISPERSAL METHOD: Dispersal is a necessary part of the system, and is used to reutilize or properly dispose of the effluent of the wetland. If you have a drainfield or irrigation system, take care when using heavy objects like lawn mowers. If ponding or saturation occurs, consider moving the system to another area and letting the soil rest. Every six months, check the outlet pipe to the drainfield and collection box to ensure that the flow exits smoothly. Check the functioning of the pump if there is one.
CLOGGING: Your system acts primarily as a filter. Clogging may occur due to plant roots, particulates in wastewater, and the sediment from the limestone gravel. In addition to inadequate flow, clogging causes odors and poor treatment. Clogging is most likely to occur in the inlet manifold PVC and T, and the front section of the bed. If you have ponding, cover the area with washed gravel or mulch. Then, uncover the rocks surrounding the inlet PVC to see if the perforations are plugged. If so, completely uncover the pipe and clean out the holes and pipe with a hose. Or, you can use the standpipes on the sides to clear the tube with a high-pressure hose or plumber’s snake.
THE SEPTIC SYSTEM: The septic system is the first step in the system, where the solids are collected and decomposed. Since it also is a natural process, we need to be conscious of what we let down our drains and into the tanks. The organics and greases of the kitchen should be separated and composted. Large amounts of cleaning solvents and chemicals should not be poured down the drains. Do not flush any cigarettes, sanitary napkins, etc. Many people choose to not flush their toilet paper, as to reduce the volume of solids in the septic tank, though the paper does not harm the process.
It is necessary to check the state of the septic tanks every year. Uncover the lids and check that the water enters fluidly. The top level of scum on the water should be well below (5-8 inches) the inlet T. Next, if you have a filter in the outlet T, take it out and hose off the screen, holding the filter over the wetland or garden. Depending on the size and use of the system, it is necessary to pump out the sludge by a professional every two to four years.
SANITARY PRECAUTIONS: Do not smoke, eat, or drink anything while working near the septic tanks or wetland. Wear gloves if you will have direct contact with the wastewater, and avoid touching other parts of the body. After finishing work, clean all clothes and skin with soap.
Kate Riley
February 2004
To read this in Spanish please click here.
Constructed Wetland Plant Guide click here.
To learn more about constructed wetlands click here.
To learn more about our Advanced Waste Treatment program
click here.
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