While there are many ways to address water quality issues, our water experts prioritize nature-based solutions first, finding ways to work with the environment to solve problems. See how our team brought a century-old pond back to its original glory by building a unique filter that empowers wetland plants to do the work.
What lies beneath
Columbian Park is a beloved community space in Lafayette, IN, providing residents with trails, play areas, sports facilities, and an exotic-animals zoo. While the park was a standout in terms of amenities, a massive pond on the north end was bringing down the overall experience. This 130-year-old body of water had fallen victim to age, with 130 years of decomposed organic matter causing strong odors and unappealing views. The pollution was so dense only the heartiest of fish could survive, swimming through a century of sludge buildup.
A bubbling beauty
V3 provided pond restoration design for the Columbian Park Pond as part of an overall park renovation. After digging into the site specifications, our team saw a unique opportunity to clean the water and enhance biodiversity by combining natural elements and simple technology. Rather than using chemicals that only address water quality symptoms and not the root issues, we devised an ecological treatment system (ETS) that would allow the pond to revitalize itself.
The ETS consisted of a 10,000-square-foot, mixed-media filter planted with native wetland plants to clean up the water and keep it clean. Once the pond was fully dredged, the filter was constructed using gravel, and wetland plants were installed. Interspersed amongst the plants are bubbling fountains that connect to an underwater pipe extending around the entire pond’s perimeter. Every minute, 1,000 gallons of water circulates through the system, allowing any sediment or pollution to get treated in the plant roots and gravel, pushing clean water back out.
A network of diffused air bubbles was also distributed throughout the pond to ensure dissolved oxygen levels remain high enough to:
- Prevent the growth of blue green algae
- Improve aerobic digestion of organics in the pond bottom
- Support the health of predatory fish, which in turn help control fish that are more likely to disturb bottom sediments
Positive results for all
By working with the native environment, this innovative system offers a wide variety of benefits:
- Low maintenance: The only piece of system machinery is the pump. Should the pipes ever clog or pump break down, they do not require much labor to fix.
- Budget friendly: Once the system is in place, there is no regular upkeep. It draws minimal power and doesn’t require the constant need for chemicals.
- Beautiful results: Naturally revitalizing the pond enhances the aesthetic value of the surrounding area.
Today, the Columbian Park Pond has been fully restored. Lafayette residents now enjoy the stretch of trail that circles the pond, taking in the sights and sounds of bubbling fountains circulating clean water.
“This project is a shining example of how ecological treatment systems can work. Some restoration solutions are just band aids, but this system harnesses the power of Mother Nature to clean the water using simple materials that are good for our Earth and for all of us.”
Landon Vine, Project Scientist
Work with our water experts
Our engineers, landscape architects, urban planners, and scientists deliver innovative designs and efficient construction solutions, allowing for holistic, cost-effective water control. Work with our team of experts to reduce resource consumption, promote climate resilience, and create social equity opportunities for local communities. Contact us to get started.