Why Canada Needs More Constructed Wetlands – And Fast!

When you think about solutions to Canada’s growing wastewater problem, engineered wetlands might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But what if we told you that the answer lies not in high-tech infrastructure, but in mimicking Mother Nature herself? Engineered wetlands—engineered systems designed to simulate the cleansing power of natural wetlands—are gaining attention for all the right reasons. And with climate change, urban sprawl, and population growth on the rise, Canada needs more of them—urgently. Nature’s Wastewater Warrior: What Are Engineered Wetlands? Engineered wetlands are man-made ecosystems that treat wastewater through natural biological, chemical, and physical processes. They use vegetation, soil, and microbial activity to break down pollutants, making them an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to traditional systems. With rising concerns about sustainability and water scarcity, these green systems are proving to be powerful tools in modern wastewater t...