Storm water management is critical to overall water quality. The run-off storage, complex microtopography, emergent plants, and detritus in the storm water wetland together form an ideal matrix for removing pollutants. These systems' performance, under widely different environmental and run-off conditions has been well documented by research. Constructed wetlands are being used worldwide for a variety of functions. U.S. Army installations, both small and large, could benefit from constructed storm.
Larger installations function like a comparably sized city complete with utilities and amenities.
But unlike a city, the Army has excellent control over its real estate and over the behavior of individuals working and living there. Activities like littering and random dumping of trash are rare. Real estate is maintained and the Army is proactive in complying with environmental laws. Within this environment, constructed wetlands could reduce storm water run-off while improving its quality. Storm water wetlands are very distinct from undisturbed natural wetlands in hydrology, morphology, and ecology.