Reed beds

Reed beds are used to treat waste water from the homes at Hockerton Housing Project.

There are many advantages of a wetland treatment system over conventional sewage treatment, including:

  • Resistant to shock loadings
  • Power supply not essential
  • Low maintenance, low cost
  • Low odour
  • Rich wetland habitat for wildlife
  • Aesthetically pleasing

The water treatment process

Solid matter settles in a septic tank, before liquid effluent enters a floating reed bed system. It takes about three months for waste water to pass through our reed bed, to ensure purification.

The outflow into our main lake is tested, and reaches EU bathing quality standards.  From there it flows in to the river that borders the development.

 

How we can help

Want to improve the sustainability of your water systems? From rainwater harvesting to sewage treatment, find out how we can help you.

Downloads

HHP – a case study in clean water

Results from the testing of water from HHP’s rainwater harvesting systems show that it is ‘cleaner’ than some bottled waters.

What others say

In brief your project at Hockerton is outstanding, the people amazing and the course was for me was thought provoking, eye opening and very inspirational. Architect, Brewster Bye Architects Ltd