Wastewater Garden Pilot Project
Type of initiative
FCM Green Municipal Fund - Capital Project
Sector
Water
Project value$59,796
Project Type
Capital Project
Sub Sector
Wastewater Management and Treatment
Grant amount$50,000
Program type
GMF
Municipality
Township of Rideau Lakes, ON
Status
Fully Disbursed
Population
10,883
Project timeline
2007 - 2014
Project number
892
Description
The Wastewater Garden technology consists of an ecologically engineered, closed–loop system that treats wastewaterfrom residential or commercial sites. This system, which is designed to conserve water, uses evapotranspiration. Thegarden is a shallow, flat–bottomed bed filled with six inches of crushed stone and 12 inches of sharp sand. Perforatedpipes distribute wastewater throughout the system. Plant species are selected for their hardiness and their ability toabsorb and transpire moisture. This will be measured by monitoring the steadily lowering levels of effluent remaining inthe holding tank. This technology is new to Canada. It is a cost–effective way to treat wastewater and improve waterquality. Small villages and rural municipalities across the country could adopt this program if the pilot proves successful.The program will be applied throughout the Township of Rideau Lakes (around Portland).
Applicant
Centre for Sustainable Watersheds, ON