Name

Three decades of treatment wetlands in the water industry: lessons learnt and future opportunities

Speakers

Dr Gabriela Dotro

Authors

Gabriela Dotro, Constructed Wetland Association, UK,
Andy Freeman, ARM, UK
John Williams, University of Portsmouth, UK

Description

Treatment wetlands have evolved from simple horizontal flow systems to sophisticated configurations meeting modern treatment challenges. This presentation showcases operational data from landmark UK installations, including Severn Trent's Hulland Ward French-style wetland system, which successfully treats unscreened sewage to achieve stringent ammonia standards. Artificially aerated wetlands have demonstrated reliable nitrification even during upstream process failures, while combined reed bed systems have provided robust treatment for both secondary effluent and storm flows for over two decades. Since 2012, sludge treatment reed beds have treated sludge generated in the process of producing drinking water for Essex and East London. These applications show that wetlands can consistently achieve regulatory standards comparable to conventional technologies. Recent monitoring demonstrates that process emissions from treatment wetlands can be lower than traditional "grey" infrastructure, though performance depends on design choices and operational practices, as evidenced by data from primary systems. Surface flow wetlands also provide significant biodiversity benefits, creating valuable habitats as demonstrated through Biodiversity Net Gain assessments of UK installations. The presentation will share performance data from established and recent installations including innovation trials, demonstrating how this proven technology can help address current industry challenges around environmental quality whilst supporting the sector's journey to Net Zero.

Time

11:10 AM - 11:35 AM

Location Name

Room 3

Track

11:20 - 14:55 Nature Based Solutions