About stormwater systems

How constructed wetlands function in heavy rain

karaaf diagram.JPG(JPG, 94KB)

When there is a large rainfall event, as occurred on 28 January 2022, it’s normal for higher water volumes to flow into the wetland along with increased levels of sediment and litter.

Constructed wetlands are part of a larger filtration system which includes Gross Pollutant Traps and sediment ponds.

During extreme events the flow rate may exceed the capacity of a Gross Pollutant Trap. On these occasions sediment and litter can occur in constructed wetlands as they are designed to act as a final filter during extreme events. 

Download a diagram of how it works.(PDF, 169KB)