Wetland Plants

Wetland sewage systems utilize Hydrophilic / aquatic plants in the operation of the system. These plants assist in the disbursement of the effluent. Therefore, it is pertinent that the homeowner properly maintain these plants to retain maximum performance of the wetland system.

Wetland sewage systems improve the quality of the wastewater by utilizing plants to introduce air into the effluent that is disbursed from the septic tank. Organisms associated with the plant roots are also beneficial in reducing levels of many contaminants. Wastewater when treated by the wetland plants is generally lower in bacteria, nitrogen, phosphorus, oxygen demand, suspended solids and organic matter.

The wetland plants growing in the cells provide several functions for the system. The main function of the plants root is to add oxygen to the effluent therefore aerating the wastewater. Under this aerobic condition a larger variety of microorganisms will attach themselves to the surface of the roots. These microbes are the primary source of treatment, feeding on the waste products in the water. The plant roots additionally clean the water by trapping tiny particles as well as absorb some of the water, reducing the amount discharged.

As with any system, proper operation and maintenance is vital in keeping wastewater systems functioning as designed. Special care is required with the wetland system in regards to cell management. Matters such as those below, and other not list, should be focused on and dealt with directly, if not correct.

* Adequate / Inadequate wastewater flow to the cells
Water flow to the cells must be maintained at a consistent rate. Too much wastewater can over burden the cell and plantings, therefore, not allowing for proper treatment. Inadequate water flow will hinder the proper growth of the plantings, which may result in plant replacement and inadequate treatment of the wastewater.

* Plant installation / removal
Utilizing the proper aquatic plantings is imperative to maintaining the correct function of the system. Plant life should be kept healthy at all times. Dead or diseased plants should be removed immediately. Additionally, plantings should not be allowed to multiply to such a degree that they will clog the cell, thus blocking the wastewater from flowing freely. Planting should be thinned out on a regular basis.

* Debris
All debris is required to be removed from the cells. It is important that the rock media, on top of the cell, be such that air and light can penetrate. Leaves, sticks, grass clippings, and trash should be removed.

* Outer Boarder Material
The outer boarder material used to frame the wetland cell should be kept in good condition. In most cases, railroad ties are utilized for this purpose. After a period of time, these and other materials can deteriorate and will need to be replaced. These boarder materials are necessary as they serve to enclose the cell and divert the lawn grass and surface water from intruding into the wetland cell.

The wetland system, even though it may resemble a flower garden when properly maintained, is actually a working element in wastewater treatment and requires attention to operation to give the maximum performance possible. It should never be ignored or otherwise left unattended to, for long periods of time, due to the usage of plant materials. Without the correct type of plantings, amount of planting and health of the plantings, this system will not function properly. In summing up, maintenance is a must.

Listed below are some plants that are suitable for wetland systems. Check with a local nursery or extension office to see which plants are suitable for your growing area.

Plant list is from the Kentucky Department of Health

Other Topics:
Sewage Protection Program | Wetland Systems | Septic Systems - How Do They Work? | Engineering & Design for Difficult Sites | Caring for Your Septic System - Do's & Don'ts

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