Restoration of On-farm Constructed Wetland Systems Used to Treat Agricultural Wastewater

Two surface flow constructed wetland systems used to treat agricultural wastewater for over a decade were evaluated for their overall on-going treatment performance and future restoration need. Many on-farm constructed wetlands used for wastewater treatment in Atlantic Canada are now beginning to reach their saturation point and are no longer performing to their full operational potential. This study is an example of the process of evaluating when these systems are no longer viable; or are no longer functioning properly for wastewater treatment and outlines the steps necessary to restore their overall treatment capacities. On-farm constructed wetland restoration has been identified as a best management practice and can be accomplished successfully when important factors such as; landscape, hydrology, function, and the long-term farming goals are considered.