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

N20 Constructed Wetlands

Copyright
Urban Constructed wetland
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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
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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 ○ ○ ○