Integrated Water Strategies — Water Recycling

Plant-based Technology for Water Restoration

Integrated Water Strategies creates alternative wastewater and stormwater management systems. These Designed Ecosystems use plant-based technology to treat and manage wastewater, grey water, rainwater and stormwater for on-site re-use, irrigation or release. Because they are based on soil and plants rather than concrete and metal, designed ecosystems can potentially treat wastewater with low costs and low maintenance. Systems incorporate function, low-impact design, on-site treatment, aesthetic and social value, and education.

Low-impact

Systems are low-impact and on-site, which cuts back on both the environmental and financial costs of traditional wastewater treatment (municipal sewage systems and septic systems). They take into consideration the pre-development hydrology of a specific site and are adaptable to strict environmental regulations.

Multi-functional

Integrated water systems create landscapes and courtyards while providing the functionality of wastewater and/or stormwater management. Combining these two systems cuts back on financial and environmental costs and results in a well-balanced integration of components of site-development.

Model natural ecosystems

Natural ecosystems such as wetlands have been filtering water for millions of years. By combining ecology with technology, we are able to reproduce the aerobic and anaerobic environments found in natural systems that filter water.

Meet high standards

Since our Designed Ecosystems are designed to be low-impact, we can often meet regulations that septic and sewage systems might not. This is especially the case with fragile ecosystem and poor soil conditions.

Educational

Because Designed Ecosystems provide a unique solution to wastewater treatment, they are inherently educational. They can serve as an interdisciplinary teaching tool in elementary schools or as a foundation for graduate level research in microbiology and water quality.

Provide irrigation during drought

Designed Ecosystems provide a practical and economic solution to water shortages by 'harvesting' or storing rainwater and stormwater and regulating its release throughout the year.