Scientists define a wetland as being a large swampy or marshy environment with lots of vegetation. Many animals and insects also depend on these habitats. Tres Rios is an 11-acre wetland that actually is a part of the Phoenix municipal wastewater treatment plant located on 91st Avenue. Wass works with ASU's Peter Fox, an associate professor of civil and environmental engineering. They are trying to demonstrate the use of bacteria in the wetland as a means to provide advanced treatment for household wastewater.
Wastewater includes basic household waste coming from sinks, toilets, or washing machines.
Once down the drain, wastewater makes its way through a maze of pipes and sewer lines to a water treatment plant. These facilities use processes that are designed to remove potentially harmful or toxic particles from the water. Once cleansed, the water can be used again by agriculture, industry, or for habitat enhancement. There is a catch. The Environmental Protection Agency currently is strengthening permit requirements to improve the quality of water released by treatment facilities.