Wetlands and Ponds:
Any flow of water, from a natural stream to a man made designed wetlands add calmness to that area/property. Unfortunately it requires a lot water, which is not easily available, especially not in semi-arid South Africa, UNLESS you re-use water for that purpose. We, at h2O Harvesting strive to save as much water as possible, yet we also love Koi ponds and wetlands. After many years of trial and error we have finally incorporated a complete recycling system so everyone, private home owners or corporates, can enjoy the calming effect of water without wasting water.
Wetlands:
Wetlands are nature’s water purifiers and personally, my absolute favourite of all greywater recycling systems. Wetlands remove nutrients and other pollutants from wastewater. When using untreated greywater for irrigation it cannot be stored for later use, whereas a constructed wetlands can be used to treat greywater which then allows it to be stored and reused for pond/pool top-up, irrigation, toilet flushing, laundry and car wash.
A few things to bear in mind with a greywater recycling wetlands:
- Greywater contains nitrate and phosphate, which are plant nutrients and improves plant growth.
- Avoiding toxic cleaning products, use only eco-friendly products.
- Wetlands can remove or render harmless some industrial pollutants, but require special design.
- Wetlands transpire large amounts of water; water conservation at its best.
- Wetlands create wildlife habitat whilst saving water!
- Wetland plants love water and greywater is a way to water them!
Wetlands can be divided into two types; subsurface-flow (plants grow in gravel or soil) and surface-flow or pond system (plants float in the water). The end use will determine the type of wetlands you need. Our professional team will design a beautiful wetlands system for you, not only saving water and reusing water, but also adding value and constant greenery to your garden.
Ponds:
Most of us know that being around water makes us calmer and more creative, but not all of us are fortunate enough to live near the ocean or a lake though. Being able to have a pond at home or at the office, in an urban environment, adds to one's overall wellbeing; this has been proven scientifically. Yet we live in a water stressed country. Thus it is important to install a pond that recycles it's water and reduces the overall water demand. Our professional team can assist with that and you too can enjoy a pond that attracts wildlife such as birds, insects and amphibians.
The type of life in a pond is generally determined by the water level and nutrient levels. Plants and fish depend on a sufficient water flow to live and reproduce. The lack of adequate flow can cause deterioration of water quality and ecosystem health. By reusing water; a combination of recycled grey water, rainwater harvesting and pond backwashed recycling, you can supplement the demand.
Wetlands (greywater recycling, stormwater harvesting and/or surface run-off) provide many benefits including wildlife, improving water quality, reducing floods and providing breeding grounds for fish. Existing streams water flow can also be augmented with recycled water to sustain and improve the aquatic and wildlife habitat.
Also remember, when reusing water you not only save water, but also energy. Conservation and aesthetics can go hand in hand.