Constructed Wetlands in the Ketura Valley and Kibbutz Lotan
Updated: 6/11/2007
Constructed Wetlands in the Ketura Valley An important component of the LIFE project is the establishment and operation of constructed wetlands in the Ketura Valley to treat the sewage of Kibbutz Neot Smadar and Kibbutz Neve Harif. The aims of this project include: - Ending the present contamination of soil, groundwater and rivers by sewage through the biological treatment of the sewage within the framework of a constructed wetlands ecosystem.
- Serving as an example of intensive wetlands in a Negev mountain climate for neighboring communities.
- Serving as a test ground for plants and building methods appropriate to Israel's desert climate.
- Serving as an educational resource and tourist attraction for groups interested in learning about water reuse and recycling and/or interested in local wildlife and migrating birds.
On October 25, 2007, the innovative pilot project for treating sewage by the constructed wetlands method was officially opened. The Ketura Valley Constructed Wetlands site consists of five pools, planted with a diverse assortment of water plants. The municipal and agricultural sewage of Kibbutz Neot Smadar and Neve Harif flow through the pools, with the plants and the microorganisms surrounding their roots purifying the water, thereby enabling it to be reused for irrigation. The completion of the constructed wetlands has ended the sewage disposal pollution of the ground, aquifer and wadi, by the creation of a wetlands ecosystem. Constructed Wetlands at Kibbutz Lotan A second component of the project relates to planning, building and full operating constructed wetlands in Kibbutz Lotan as part of an ecological-educational Bird Park, in conjunction with the Jewish National Fund and the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel/Bird Life International. The aims of this project include: - Ending the present contamination of soil and groundwater by sewage.
- Serving as the heart of a planned ecological-educational Bird Park.
- Serving as an example of extensive wetlands in the Arava Valley for neighboring communities and as a test ground for appropriate plants and building methods in Israel's desert climate
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