FAQ about Reed Bed Sewage Treatment Systems
Do Reed Bed Sewage Treatment Systems smell, and produce malodours?
Not if they are correctly designed to treat the loadings from the site.
Will we see the sewage on the reed bed?
The reed beds are designed so that the liquid flows through the bed
where the roots exist, not over the top. Very occasionally in the early
years of the reeds growth, it may be advisable to temporarily flood the
bed, to rid it of weeds, but after these early periods this will not be
necessary.
Do the reeds need cutting down?
The reeds, once grown do not require to be cut down and they will
control their own growth.
Why is it necessary to fence the reed beds in?
This is essential to stop animals, particularly rabbits, eating the
roots (which they love.) and people from walking on or interfering with
the reed bed, where the risk of contact with the sewage is to be avoided.
If pumping is required why is it necessary to have two pumps?
In any system, with a mechanical item of plant, it is always essential
to have a standby system readily available, so that in the event of breakdown
of this item, the standby item will come into operation automatically,
thereby ensuring continuity of treatment of the sewage. This is also considered
essential, to comply with the requirements of the E.A. as well as ensuring
full continuity of treatment of the sewage.
Will the maintenance costs of the system be the same as a conventional system of treatment?
Generally the maintenance costs will be reduced, as ammortised over
a long period correctly designed reed beds have been shown to have considerably
less operational costs.
Are there any problems with reed bed sewage treatment systems?
The main problem with reed beds is that they do require large areas
of land, compared with a conventional or packaged sewage treatment works.
However provided this land is available, on the whole they produce far
less problems than other systems.
What about discharging chemicals into a reed bed sewage treatment system?
A reed bed sewage treatment system will have the same constraints
as any other system, in as much as the discharge of certain chemicals
must be restricted. For further advice on this topic see the appropriate
Johnston Smith Data sheet.
Photographs of differing types of reed bed sewage treatment systems
For further impartial advice on any problems associated with all types of sewage and effluent treatment contact Johnston Smith Consulting - The Independent Specialists.