What is a Natural Reclamation System

 It is a five-year demonstration to determine whether a constructed wetland approach can provide reuse water for farming and could provide us with a new way of dealing with treated wastewater: reusing it instead of directly discharging it into the Willamette River. We will be able to examine whether the use of constructed wetlands will reduce water temperature and create a more livable environment for endangered fish species. The Demonstration Natural Reclamation System project will allow us to pull together elements of the natural sciences, engineering,agriculture, and the community to help us understand our options.

Encompassing approximately 40 acres adjacent to the Willow Lake Wastewater Treatment Plant, the demonstration project facilities will be operated for 5 years to test their effectiveness in polishing summer flows. Of special interest is the capability of the Natural Reclamation system to reduce water temperatures and ammonia concentrations during the summer. Using data from a detailed monitoring program, the City will evaluate the water quality benefits, economic benefits, public acceptability, and environmental effects of the NRS technologies. The information will be analyzed to determine if these technologies are the right choice for Salem and will benefit the broader Marion and Polk County community.