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Demonstration Wetlands
Demonstration wetlands are also known as constructed wetlands. Wetlands like these are usually formed
from a group of basins containing water, substrate, and wetland vegetation, and are usually designed to
treat wastewater, stormwater, urban runoff and/or agricultural wastewater. Like natural wetlands,
constructed wetlands contain water that is slow-moving and shallow, which increases sediment deposition
in the wetland. These characteristics provide the environment for a diverse community of microorganisms
that aid in water quality improvements. In addition to water quality improvements, constructed wetlands
provide many beneficial uses. They are often used as educational and research laboratories, for bird
watching, and landscape enhancement.
Demonstration Wetland
Project - City of Henderson Water Reclamation Facility
A demonstration wetland project has been developed in a pond located at the City of Henderson
Water Reclamation Facility. This study will help researchers evaluate the effectiveness of
various wetland practices in Southern Nevada and identify specific vegetation that is compatible
with conditions in our region. The demonstration wetland project is conducted through a
cooperative agreement with the Bureau of Reclamation, the City of Henderson,
and the Southern Nevada Water Authority.
The constructed wetland design is as follows:
- The wetland consists of an approximately 5.75 acre triangular shaped pond located at the City of Henderson Water Reclamation Facility.
- The pond features 3 loafing islands and 11 submerged islands (hummocks).
- Flows enter the pond from the West and flow perpendicular to the hummocks toward the East.
Demonstration pond before filling and planting - April 2001
Hummock Vegetation November 11, 2002
Demonstration pond - January 21, 2005
Hummock Vegetation October 10, 2005
Vegetation
for the Demonstration Wetland
Vegetation that is used in constructed wetlands play a vital role in water quality improvements. The
species that are planted must be able to tolerate incoming flow conditions (i.e. stormwater, urban
runoff, or treated wastewater) and satisfy the treatment objective. It is important to choose local,
native wetland species because they are adapted to regional environmental conditions (i.e. climate
and soils).
For the purposes of this project, plants were chosen that have been shown to remove
metals and other pollutants in various research around the country. These plants
also provide food and cover for many species of birds. The table below shows the
species planted in the demonstration wetlands.
| Plant Species |
Planting Zone Water Depth |
| Hardstem bulrush (Schoenoplectus acutus) and California bulrush (S. californicus) |
5-12 inches |
| Common three-square bulrush (Schoenoplectus pungens) and/or Olney's bulrush (S. americanus), and Alkali bulrush (Schoenoplectus maritimus) |
2-4 inches |
| Inland saltgrass (Distichlis spicata) |
above
water
(on the loafing islands) |
Visit the Demonstration Wetlands Project
The City of Henderson has turned several of the sewage ponds at the Water Reclamation Facility
(including the demonstration wetlands pond) into the Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve, a park that is
open to the public. If you would like to visit the demonstration wetlands, take a trip to the preserve
and ask the visitor center staff for directions to pond 9 (the number of the wetlands project pond).
The pond, with its diversity of vegetation, attracts a wide variety of birds. |
