Phoenix homeowners are often confused about why a “constructed wetland” is an important part of a sustainable ecosystem Phoenix pond. We’re happy to elaborate on that subject!
WHAT IS A CONSTRUCTED WETLAND
A constructed wetland is a man-made wetland that uses natural processes to improve water quality and mimic the functions of natural wetlands. This can be added to a backyard pond or used for stormwater management. Constructed wetlands are basically shallow ponds that are densely planted with wetland vegetation and home to beneficial microorganisms. The water, plants, animals, and environment interact to filter pollutants and improve water quality.
CONSTRUCTED WETLANDS HELP REPLACE DISAPPEARING NATURAL RIPIRAN HABITATS
Riparian habitats are the rarest type of habitat in North America. The plants and micro-organisms found in riparian areas and natural wetlands are extremely efficient at removing excess nutrients from stormwater and runoff. Unfortunately, man’s increased use of commercial fertilizers creates runoff extremely high in nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus, which poses a major threat to the delicate ecosystems of our natural waterways. As a result of this, as well as excess traffic and use, 95% of the West’s best filtering habitats have been degraded to some extent. And then there’s urban sprawl…
CONSTRUCTED WETLAND ARE AN EXCELLENT WATER FILTER
What exactly makes a wetland such a good filter? Wetlands are giant sponges. They protect ponds, lakes, rivers, streams, and aquifers by filtering out wastes and nutrients entering from stormwater and runoff. Scientific studies have found that many common species of aquatic plants have the ability to uptake toxins directly from the water, thus scrubbing it clean again.
Thinking of aquatic plants as the kidneys of the earth, it follows then that a constructed wetland filter would be an excellent approach to cleaning up an existing problem pond, as well as an outstanding way ensure that a pond has plenty of filtration from the start, while providing a lush beautiful setting.
Clarity is one of the easiest and fastest ways to diagnose water quality in a pond. Large loads of sediment and debris can have a serious impact on the aquatic life that a body of water can support. Wetlands, both in nature and constructed for pond filtration, do a tremendous job of reducing sediment and debris, improving clarity within the pond. Natural wetlands remove sediment by slowing the velocity of stormwater, causing the sediment and debris to drop out of suspension. If you want to see physical evidence of how this works, visit Regents of Scottsdale Apartments, 15555 N. Frank Lloyd Wright Parkway, Scottsdale, Arizona. This riparian ecosystem that spans the center of the complex accepts runoff from the surrounding parking lots. Over the past several years of this system’s existence, the maintenance required has been quarterly bacteria and enzyme applications, along with monthly thinning of aquatic plants from within the streams.
WHY ADD A CONSTRUCTED WETLAND TO A POND?
A constructed wetland filter of proportionate size can help provide crystal-clear water in almost any situation. We’ve all seen the chemically-treated blue-dyed ponds that adorn many golf courses, apartment complexes, and HOA common areas. Ponds with a lot of large fish require a filtration system sufficient to keep up with the waste these fish produce. A constructed wetland is an ideal (and much more attractive) solution/alternative to water quality issues.
A CONSTRUCTED WETLAND IS A GARDENER’S DREAM
On another note, many people have “green thumbs” and are attracted to the types of plants that can be grown in a water feature. Installing a wetland filter off to the side of a pond will provide the perfect planting bed for a variety of aquatic plants, while allowing the pond owner to keep the pond surface area open for viewing.
CONSTRUCTED WETLANDS HELP WILDLIFE
In addition to being a superb filter system, placed appropriately, the permanent and accessible organic water is a boon to desert-dwelling wildlife. 80% of desert wildlife lives within sight of a riparian corridor. However, we have been damming and pumping our riparian areas out of existence here in Arizona to accommodate urban sprawl. Constructed wetlands, and organically maintained water features, may be the best bet for the survival of many species of native and migratory bird life.
In terms of economics, Arizona is a top ten birding destination on every birder’s list, and birding is a $2.5 billion-a-year tourism industry. Arizona’s share of this money is huge! Adding a constructed wetland filter to a project not only adds a truly “green” element in every sense of the word, but provides a safe oasis to native and migratory birds and most desert wildlife, whether in the open desert, on a golf course, or in someone’s back yard.
Serving Phoenix, Scottsdale, Glendale, Arizona (AZ) & Surrounding Areas
To Learn More About Ponds in Phoenix: https://pondgnome.com/pond-construction-phoenix-az/
