Constructed wetlands are excellent ways of storing water in a natural environment, which can provide benefits for the ecosystem in the area. Getting a constructed wetland for your property or land is a complicated procedure that requires advice and expertise from professionals to be done well. However, before you decide if a constructed wetland is for you, you need to decide the location for it. Without knowing this, it's not certain it will be plausible at all.
Natural wetland
If there is a natural wetland somewhere on your land, avoid placing a constructed wetland too close to it, so that you do not disturb the ecosystem. Placing a constructed wetland near the natural wetland will confuse wildlife that the constructed wetland is their new habitat, as opposed to the natural one. It's also important that the contaminated water that is being treated in the constructed wetland doesn't come in contact with the natural water supply, as this might damage the ecosystem as well as make the process of treating your water less effective.
Appropriate soil
As constructed wetlands are meant to hold water, you also need to consider what soil you have in different locations. Sandy soil will absorb an unnecessary amount of water and make the bottom of the wetland unstable. Buying additional lining is a possible option if you truly have no other options and you really need that constructed wetland, but it's an expensive option. Firm clay soil with low water content provides the optimal conditions for a constructed wetland. If it's too wet, it won't form a stable base for your constructed wetland, and you'll need to treat it to keep it waterproof. Firm clay soil will form a waterproof base without you having to spend any extra money.
Safety margin
Because of safety, you'll also need to have a margin to the wetland that you need to take into consideration when looking for places to put it. Make sure that there are no trees or shrubs lining the planned wetland and that they are being kept well away from the area, as these will limit visibility around the wetland, which might be dangerous for people working in the area. You should also avoid an area which has a downward slope leading to it. The downward slope would not count as part of the safety margin, as it only makes it easier for people to slide down and fall into the wetland.
