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Inspiration Card
Nature Based Solution
Constructed Wetlands & Built Structures for Water Management

N20 Constructed Wetlands

Copyright
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Challenges
Climate Resilience Water Management Natural and Climate Hazards Biodiversity Enhancement Air Quality Health and Well-being Social Justice and Social Cohesion
Description

Constructed wetlands are artificial wetlands with the main objective to harvest, treat and store storm water runoff in urban areas. Processes of natural wetlands are adapted to constructed wetlands focusing on water purification and storage. The established vegetation, soil and microbiological activity play an important role for the filter performance of constructed wetlands. Constructed wetlands can also help support urban biodiversity by including, for example, diverse vegetation and barrier-free shores.

Conditions for Implementation
  • Suitable location with enough accessible land outside of floodplains with compact soils
  • Near waste water source
  • Topography should be considered (e.g. gentle slope to allow natural water flow)
  • Biodiversity friendly design
Similar Terminology
Alluvial meadow
Constructed floodplain
Urban constructed wetland
Constructed surface wetland
Constructed marsh or reed bed
Performance
    Cooling Service Transpiration
    Shading
    Evaporation
    Building (Insulation)
    Reflection (Albedo)
    Surface Water Regulation Water Conveyance
    Water Infiltration
    Water Retention
    Water Storage
    Water Reuse
    Water Purification Water Filtering
    Water Bio-remediation
    Air Purification and Noise Reduction Deposition
    Air Biofiltration
    Noise Reduction
    Biodiversity Habitat Provision
    Connectivity
    Socio-Cultural Services Beauty / Appearance
    Usability / Functionality
    Social Interaction
    Education
    Provisioning Service Food / Energy / Material
    Climate Regulation CO2 Sequestration