Reed Beds

Reed Beds have over the years been a common method of ‘cleaning’ the outfall from communities and single houses alike, but, like everything else, times and policies change. Reeds have the ability to recycle the ‘nasties’ in the water after a septic tank or treatment plant, and in combination with a gravel bed base, can produce a virtually clean result.

The benefits of reed beds are that:

No power is required
They can be incorporated into marshy landscapes or water features
They are effective when there are sensitive waters nearby, when the Environment Agency may insist on a Reed Bed

The drawbacks are:

The large area required for an effective reed bed e.g. 25 – 30 square metres for a household of 5 -6 persons
The initial cost
On-going maintenance
Reeds need cutting and replacing
Beds need to be cleared out every 15 – 20 years.

Construction is straightforward, requiring a hole in the ground lined with an impervious material and covered with varying grades of gravel with reeds planted on top. The ‘dirty’ water is fed into one side and allowed to filter through the beds and after a time, the outfall becomes ‘clean’. The final outfall can be allowed to go to a soakaway or a water course, if consent is granted.