How it Works

To recycle water, the Living Machine® System uses the latest technologies and engineering to recreate the ecology of natural coastal wetlands.  After an initial primary filtration stage, the system turbo-charges nature’s own processes, pumping wastewater into ‘tidal-flow’ wetland cells – gravel-filled planters – which are alternately flooded and drained to create multiple tidal cycles per day.  The specially-engineered gravel within the cells promotes the development of micro-ecosystems, which efficiently remove nutrients and solids from the wastewater, resulting in high quality effluent. Although a typical Living Machine® system recycles thousands of gallons of water a day, everything occurs below the wetland surface.  All the casual observer sees are lush, vibrant plantings.

The final polishing stage, which involves filtration and disinfection, leaves water crystal clear and ready for reuse.  Online sensors continuously monitor water quality and chlorine residuals to ensure that reclaimed water is completely safe.