The advantages of constructed wetlands include relatively inexpensive capital and maintenance costs (compared to a conventional municipal plant), relative tolerance to changes in hydraulic and biological loading rates, and ecological benefits.
The disadvantages include complex treatment processes, some difference in performance with changing seasons (however they do not freeze if operated properly), some disagreement as design recommendations evolve. It should be noted that in a state like Indiana, treatment is usually satisfactory in the winter.
Constructed wetlands require minimal maintenance. However, they should be inspected every six months. Because of the nature of wetlands as a natural system, a wide variety of maintenance has been reported. The most common maintenance activities are pulling out undesirable plant species such as willow tree saplings, removing dead vegetation (not dormant vegetation), and cleaning pipes. Other maintenance activities include replanting, fertilizing, cleaning/brushing screens and pipes, and installation of barriers to exclude deer. Problems with turtles and burrowing animals have also been reported.
More details on constructed wetland maintenance and design can be found here:
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