Solution
WaReg® Flow Regulator
The project has resulted in the construction of 148 wetlands with a total area of 365 hectares. Regarding the location of the wetlands, priority has been given to areas with a high nutrient concentration in the water and low biological diversity. The size of the wetlands is between 0.2 and 50 ha with an average size of 1.1 ha. Buffer-strips, non-cultivated areas with a permanent vegetation of grass, herbs and bushes, have been established along 59 km (36 ha) of the streams. Buffer-strips have priority where the risk of erosion and surface run-off is greatest, such as areas along streams with intensively used farmland that is close to open water and along stretches of stream used for recreation.
The inlet /outlet may be constructed as an open ditch, pipe, adjustable culvert, or dam. The use of other technical solutions with artificial materials is minimized, but in some cases they are necessary to solve problems such as leakage, erosion, or water level regulation. One such product is the WaReg flow regulator. This device is silent and does not require electricity, so it is suited for such sensitive areas. The WaReg ensures that the ponds and lakes are not overfilled during periods of high rainfall and thereby minimizes damage to the surrounding areas. The device maintains the balance within the wetland area and also protects the wetland areas close to large watershed areas such as parking lots or other large, hard surfaces.
Flooding of sensitive wetlands can be avoided by using an attenuation reservoir or directing flow to a less sensitive area. Wapro’s flow regulating system controls flow with the assistance of the current retained water levels in the pipe system.
The throughput area in the pipe is regulated by the water level in the chamber. The entire pipe is open in normal situations, allowing the chamber to act as a normal manhole. In cases of increased flow, the inlet is gradually closed to decrease the inflow to the chamber.
The flotation pipe and sliding valves’ construction and action allows the flow to remain controlled through the WaReg. The chamber is constructed to minimize the risk for pollution, sludge, and other matter that could interrupt the flow. The design of the WaReg makes it more efficient than the vortex design commonly used on attenuation systems. Its adjustability ensures that it is adaptable to changes in the requirements of the installation.
The WaReg offers many advantages. Automatic flow control in gravity-fed drainage systems minimizes the risk of overloading. The device is autonomous and flow is regulated by the dimensioned capacity of the outlet. It offers an extremely low risk of blockage and obstructions as the pipe in normal situations is completely open for free flow. Regardless of retained water levels, precise flow is maintained through gravity-fed systems. The WaReg can be used in conjunction with any type of attenuation system.
To prevent flooding of the wetlands from a nearby lake a WaStop check valve was installed in a chamber close to the outlet. The check valve prevents backflow from the lake when the lake level is higher than normal due to heavy rain in areas feeding the lake or during the spring melt. The 400mm WaStop was inserted in an outlet from the wetlands to the lake to stop all backflow whilst still allowing the wetlands to drain into the lake when required.
In general, wetlands have a positive effect on biodiversity and nutrient retention in intense agricultural areas. Already during the first year after construction, the number of invertebrate animals makes up a large number of species and individuals. Plant growth shows the same pattern, and an average of 32 wetland plants was found per pond. Consequently, bird life shows a quick response to the constructed habitats. More than 25 breeding species have been observed in the studied ponds/wetlands. Nineteen threatened species of animals and plants from the Swedish red list were recorded in the studies.
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