Reed Bed Filtration Systems
There are two types of reed bed filtration systems.
Horizontal and Vertical.
Horozontal systems allow the dirty water to pass slowly across a gravel bed in which reeds are growing. As it does so, the contamination is trapped and removed by the reeds and the biofilm of bacteria that live on the roots and the stones.
The size of the reed bed is dictated by the maximum volume of water that it needs to clean.
Its a great solution where space isn't at a premium and, besides delivering environmental benefits in the form of cleaner water, also delivers a great habitat for small birds and animals.
Vertical systems allow the water to sink down through the gravel to a collector deep underneath. This exposes the contamination to more of the biofilm and at the same time filters out many of the larger particles which might otherwise be adding unwanted nutrients to the water body.
Vertical systems can be a lot more compact than horizontal ones and are often the solution of choice where space is limited.
Recirculation systems have pumps fitted that pass the water back through the reedbed a number of times to clean and polish it.
Picture shows a greywater reedbed system in a private garden. It provides top-up water for a pond as well as irrigation water for plants and vegetables.
