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File:Constructed Wetland.png|thumb|1000px|The following is a labelled schematic of a constructed "Free-water surface flow wetland". These types of wetlands are generally used as a BMP for stormwater treatment and are most similar to stormwater management ponds, both in function and design, the major difference being that they are shallower to allow for wetland species (i.e. macrophytes to effectively grow and biologically treat incoming flows of pollutant and suspended sediments). <span style="color:red">''A note: The following is an "image map", feel free to explore the image with your cursor and click on highlighted labels that appear to take you to corresponding pages on the Wiki.''</span>

File:Constructed Wetland.png|thumb|700px|The following is a labelled schematic of a constructed "Free-water surface flow wetland". These types of wetlands are generally used as a BMP for stormwater treatment and are most similar to stormwater management ponds, both in function and design, the major difference being that they are shallower to allow for wetland species (i.e. macrophytes to effectively grow and biologically treat incoming flows of pollutant and suspended sediments). <span style="color:red">''A note: The following is an "image map", feel free to explore the image with your cursor and click on highlighted labels that appear to take you to corresponding pages on the Wiki.''</span>

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Natural wetlands are ecosystems that have developed over time, providing diverse habitats and naturally filtering water through complex biological and physical processes. Constructed wetlands, on the other hand, are designed and built to mimic these natural functions, targeting specific water quality goals and pollutant removal. They are a cost-effective and efficient method widely used in North America to treat various wastewaters—such as stormwater, sewage, and agricultural runoff. The most significant difference between ponds and wetlands is the extent to which they incorporate shallow zones for wetland [[plants]]. A facility is normally characterized as a wetland if shallow zones (<0.5 m deep) make up more than 70 % of its volume.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[[File:Kortright-farm-june-2011.jpg|thumb|500px|Wetlands fed by stormwater at Kortright Farm, Vaughan ON]]

 

Free-water surface flow wetlands are most commonly employed for stormwater treatment and are similar to [[SWM ponds]] in function and design. The most significant difference between ponds and wetlands is the extent to which they incorporate shallow zones for wetland [[plants]]. A facility is normally characterized as a wetland if shallow zones (<0.5 m deep) make up more than 70 % of its volume.  

Wetlands can contribute to<ref>Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. 2025. Wetlands. https://trca.ca/conservation/restoration/wetlands/#:~:text=Increased%20biodiversity,as%20bird%20watching%20and%20fishing</ref><ref>Bendoricchio, G., L. Dal Cin, and J. Persson. 2000. Guidelines for free water surface wetland design. EcoSys Bd 8: 51–91. http://www.pixelrauschen.de/wet/design.pdf</ref>:

Wetlands can contribute to<ref>Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. 2025. Wetlands. https://trca.ca/conservation/restoration/wetlands/#:~:text=Increased%20biodiversity,as%20bird%20watching%20and%20fishing</ref><ref>Bendoricchio, G., L. Dal Cin, and J. Persson. 2000. Guidelines for free water surface wetland design. EcoSys Bd 8: 51–91. http://www.pixelrauschen.de/wet/design.pdf</ref>:

==Planning considerations==

==Planning considerations==

Wetlands differ based on how water travels through the system. Free-water surface flow wetlands have water exposed on the surface, which provides excellent water quality treatment but may pose health and safety risks. Sub surface flow systems provide generally lower health and safety risks and are sometimes employed to handle stormwater in combination with another wastewater stream. In horizontal sub-surface flow wetlands, water flows horizontally through a media bed, while in vertical sub-surface flow wetlands, water is introduced at the surface and percolates vertically through the media.

Wetlands differ based on how water travels through the system. Free-water surface flow wetlands have water exposed on the surface, which provides excellent water quality treatment but may pose health and safety risks. Free-water surface flow wetlands are most commonly employed for stormwater treatment and are similar to [[SWM ponds]] in function and design. Sub surface flow systems provide generally lower health and safety risks and are sometimes employed to handle stormwater in combination with another wastewater stream. In horizontal sub-surface flow wetlands, water flows horizontally through a media bed, while in vertical sub-surface flow wetlands, water is introduced at the surface and percolates vertically through the media.

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