The city of Orlando, Florida, utilizes 1,200 acres [2] of constructed wetlands to treat and clean reclaimed water.
This nature-based infrastructure provides a sustainable alternative to traditional chemical treatment plants by leveraging biological processes to protect local water quality.
Established in 1987 [1], the system employs plant-based nutrient absorption and sediment removal to polish the water. This process removes pollutants from reclaimed water before it is released or reused, ensuring the city meets environmental standards.
The scale of the operation is significant. The system currently polishes approximately 5.11 billion gallons [1] of reclaimed water per year.
Maintaining the efficiency of the wetlands requires consistent intervention. The city performs periodic "demucking" maintenance to remove accumulated sediment. This work is carried out in sections of 100 acres [1] to ensure the entire system remains operational during the cleaning process.
By integrating these wetlands into the urban infrastructure, Orlando manages a massive volume of water while providing a habitat for local wildlife. The system demonstrates how constructed ecosystems can perform industrial-scale utility functions in a U.S. metropolitan area.
“The system now polishes about 5.11 billion gallons a year”
Orlando's reliance on constructed wetlands highlights a shift toward green infrastructure, where biological systems replace or augment mechanical treatment. By utilizing 1,200 acres for water polishing, the city reduces its dependence on energy-intensive chemical processes and creates a scalable model for urban water reclamation that integrates environmental conservation with utility management.
