There are two types of wetlands, free water surface (FWS) wetlands or submerged flow wetlands (SF). FWS are usually not used for individual residences. Wetlands can be used to treat a variety of wastes, such as wastewater, acid mine drainage, agricultural and non-point discharges, and stormwater treatment and retention. The major advantage of using a subsurface flow wetland is that the wastewater stays below the gravel surface. This decreases or eliminates exposure to wastewater, odor, and insect vectors. Another advantage is that they are smaller in size than FWS wetlands.
Constructed wetlands optimize the same processes that are found in natural wetlands: filtration, sedimentation, physical and chemical immobilization, and chemical and biological decomposition. As a natural system, the processes are complex and not thoroughly understood. However, years of research worldwide has shown that constructed wetlands can treat wastewater effectively.
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