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Big Rideau Lake Association - BRLA

Environmental Programs | Past Projects | Wastewater Garden

Note: This project is now being carried ahead by the Centre for Sustainable Watersheds.

Let the Wastewater Garden Grow Your Wastewater Problems Away. Wastewater is full of nutrients that can be used by plants. This is evident when algae and nuisance plants grow where improperly treated sewage is discharged. The Wastewater Garden takes advantage of these nutrients to get rid of your wastewater, and at the same time produces non-edible plants and flowers year-round.

 Photo: "From Eco-Cities to Living Machines"
Nancy Jack Todd and John Todd (1994)
THE TECHNOLOGY:
The Wastewater Garden technology works best with a progressive 'water use' strategy including conservation, waste stream separation, and recycling/reuse. Water conservation is achieved by using low-flow toilets, faucets and appliances. Waste stream separation means separating grey water / wash water from black water, using composting toilets (which treat solids separately) and pretreating effluents at their source (grease traps, lint filters). The recycling/reuse comes into play as the nutrients in the waste water are used to grow plants.

Waste water (grey water and the leachate from composting toilets, or effluent from septic tanks) is fed into the garden, a lined shallow bed filled with crushed stone & sand and planted with ornamental vegetation. Here, naturally occurring microorganisms convert its chemical constituents into the nutrients required for plant growth. Plants use the nutrients as they grow, and also transpire (take up and release) water to the atmosphere. High-transpiration plants are chosen to maximize water removal. Water is also taken away by evaporation from the soil surface. Because it may take awhile for the system to reach its full treatment capacity, water is re-circulated through a pumpable holding tank.

With this system, no wastewater or even processed water (as with septic) is discharged, so there will never be any nutrients or pathogens released to the environment.

"The Composting Toilet System Book"
David Del Porto and Carol Steinfeld (2000)
With increasing concern about contamination of our freshwater systems, regulations on sewage discharge could tighten, but with zero discharge, the Wastewater Garden would already be compliant. A greenhouse or solarium is required for year-round operation in Canada's climate, making this technology extremely attractive to people who like gardening and who would like or already have a greenhouse. Currently, BRLA is investigating the possibility of seasonal applications that will not require a greenhouse.

"From Eco-Cities to Living Machines"
Nancy Jack Todd and John Todd (1994)
 
HISTORY:

Engineer David Del Porto of Sustainable Strategies designed the Wastewater Garden from a concept originally developed by University of Toronto engineering professor Alfred Bernhart.

Sample Living Room On the Right
BENEFITS:
  • Zero discharge - no environmental contamination.
  • Can be used on any site - residential or commercial.
  • Especially appropriate on sites with bedrock, shallow soil, poor drainage, a high water table, or sites close to wells, watercourses and/or environmentally sensitive lands.
  • Horticultural appeal - fresh flowers year-round.
NOW IN CANADA . . . .

BRLA recently acquired the Canadian rights to develop and distribute this technology. Funds from the Samuel and Saidye Bronfman Foundation have made it possible to market this new technology. Funding provided by the Industrial Research Assistance Program will enable us to design and develop a prototype application at our environmental information centre in Portland, Ontario. This site will serve as a demonstration site to prove the technology for the regulatory authorities, and also to research adaptations that might be necessary for the Canadian climate. Stay tuned for updates! We are also in a position to assist with the development of pilot projects - contact Sarah Rosolen for details.
CONTACT:
If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact:
  Sarah Rosolen, Center for Sustainable Watersheds
  Telephone: 1-613-272-5136
  E-mail at info@watersheds.ca
 
INFORMATION and LINKS:
Ecological Engineering Associates Web Page
Zero-effluent Discharge Systems Prevent Pollution - Article by: David del Porto
The Composting Toilet Book. David del Porto and Carol Steinfeld. 2000.
  Available at Rideau Lakes Environment and Information Centre Store - Dry Dock.

 
last updated:
04/06/05 2:27 PM 		Big Rideau Lake Association - BRLA | PO Box 93 Portland, Ontario K0G 1V0 Canada
Telephone: 1-613-272-3629 | E-mail: