Page 25 - Landscape-Issue134

CONSTRUCTED WETLANDS

orld Wetlands Day (WWD) is fosters biodiversity, creating a balanced and
commemorated every year on 2 ecologically rich ecosystem.
WFebruary, however the awareness
continues beyond this date. This occasion is Carbon emission reduction
essential in raising public awareness of wetlands Instead of emitting carbon dioxide into the
and appreciation for the importance of these atmosphere, wetlands sequester carbon in their
ecosystems. Wetlands make up only 2.4% of the soil and plant communities, thereby fostering a
country’s area - approximately 300 000 wetlands more moderate global climate.
remain. About half of South Africa’s native
wetland area has been lost. Out of the 791 wetland Enhanced water quality

ecosystem types found in South Africa, most of The wetland environment e ectively removes
them are under threat, with 48% being critically pollutants, sediments and excess nutrients from
endangered, 12% being endangered, 5% being the greywater, resulting in cleaner and more
vulnerable, and 35% being least threatened. environmentally friendly water.
According to Ramsar sites on wetlands, only 11%
of South African wetlands are protected, leaving Contribution to sustainable water
over 70% with no protection. This year’s focal management
WWD theme was “Wetlands and Human Well- The integration of wetlands into greywater
being” which emphasises the essential role that treatment aligns seamlessly with sustainable
wetlands play in enhancing human well-being, water management practices, thus reducing the
and for providing the ecological services required environmental impact on freshwater resources
for our survival and quality of life. Wetlands can and promoting responsible and eco-friendly
be natural or arti cial (constructed wetlands) water usage.

and both types are essential for delivering a
wide range of ecosystem services that improve Creation of additional habitats
the health of the environment and human friendly irrigation solution for your plants and Constructed wetlands designed for greywater
well-being; one of these is the ability to clean soil. A Rand Water – Water Wise research study treatment also serve to create habitats that
greywater in the landscape to more acceptable demonstrated that constructed wetlands support local ecosystems, aligning with
standards. possess the capability to reduce the presence conservation e orts to protect and nurture

of E. coli bacteria in greywater (Stelli, 2018). This diverse plant and animal life.
What is a constructed wetland? leads to an improved safety pro le for greywater

A constructed wetland is an arti cial ecosystem use. Water Wise has developed a simple and cost-

designed to replicate the natural functions of a effective solution to treat domestic greywater
wetland serving water treatment purposes and Make your landscape design more for use in the landscape. This low-cost, sub-
providing advantages to your landscape. In this #WaterWise by using a constructed surface horizontal constructed wetland system
system, greywater undergoes a gradual cleaning wetland to lter household greywater is designed to be implemented in garden and

and ltration process as it passes through the urban landscapes and can be adapted to suit

constructed wetland before being discharged. Natural and e ective treatment the volume of greywater produced. The design
The root system of the plants within the wetland Wetlands o er a naturally e ective method of this system ensures that there is no pooling

contributes by releasing oxygen into the water, for treating greywater, eliminating the need of greywater on the surface and no smell
fostering a conducive environment for aerobic for extensive chemical processes. The intricate or water-borne pests such as mosquitoes.
microbial and fungal activities. This approach interplay of wetland vegetation, soil, and micro- The guide can be accessed and downloaded
helps reduce the presence of toxins, bacteria organisms contributes to the organic and for free by going to the Rand Water website,
and other chemicals that may be present in sustainable treatment of greywater. clicking on the Water Wise logo and looking
untreated greywater. These biological processes under the Green Industry tab.
are integral for the breakdown of pollutants Support for biodiversity
and organic materials present in the greywater, The presence of wetland vegetation not
and ensure a safer and more environmentally only enhances greywater treatment but also
Always be #WaterWise
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