What is a constructed wetland?
A constructed wetland is a manmade system that uses natural biological processes to reduce nutrients in water and create a wildlife habitat. In use since the 1960s, constructed wetlands are recognized globally as an effective, sustainable and versatile approach for improving water quality and providing ecological restoration.
What is a groundwater recharge wetland?
A groundwater recharge wetland is a constructed wetland built on sandy soils, allowing water to slowly soak into the ground, replenishing valuable groundwater supplies. These systems are widely recognized in the scientific community for their ability to simultaneously provide groundwater recharge and reduce nitrogen levels while also creating wildlife habitat and space for recreation and education.
Why is GRU creating a groundwater recharge wetland?
Groundwater pumping in our region has reduced water levels in the Floridan aquifer, which has reduced flows in the Santa Fe and Ichetucknee rivers. GRU, in partnership with the Suwannee River Water Management District, and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, is creating a groundwater recharge wetland to replenish the aquifer and help restore flows in the Santa Fe and Ichetucknee rivers and their associated springs.
Where will the wetland be located?
The project site is approximately 75 acres near Diamond Sports Park, along Parker Road in southwest Gainesville. This area was selected because of its close proximity to GRU reclaimed water lines and because its sandy, well-drained soils are essential for aquifer recharge.
Do other wetlands like this exist?
Sweetwater Wetlands Park in Gainesville is a prime example of a constructed wetland. GRU, the City of Gainesville and multiple other agencies contributed to the park’s construction. The primary function of the park is to improve water quality and restore natural flows to Paynes Prairie. The park provides numerous additional benefits, including wildlife habitat, recreation and education. While the new wetland will be smaller than Sweetwater Wetlands Park, it will offer a similarly enjoyable experience.
Similar wetlands can be found across Florida, including in nearby Ocala. Each wetland contributes to green space while maintaining its own unique characteristics. To explore more examples of similar projects, visit the Similar Projects page.
Where will the water come from for the wetland?
Once designed, permitted, and constructed, the wetland will be supplied by GRU’s Kanapaha Water Reclamation Facility. This facility treats and disinfects wastewater from the community, removing harmful organisms, chemicals, metals and other contaminants. The result is reclaimed water, which is clear and odorless, and is approved for various uses, including landscape irrigation, industrial cooling, aquifer recharge and wetland creation.
The water delivered to the wetland will be monitored to ensure it meets public access reuse regulations set by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. The wetland will further filter and reduce nitrogen levels in the reclaimed water before it gradually percolates into the Floridan aquifer.
Is the money GRU is spending on this park worthwhile?
The Suwannee River Water Management District and Florida Department of Environmental Protection are funding partners for the project and paying 50 percent of construction costs. Future funding partnerships are in development. Along with helping to restore flows in the Santa Fe and Ichetucknee rivers, the project will allow GRU to cost-effectively meet environmental regulations.
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is establishing environmental regulations — known as Minimum Flows and Levels, or MFLs — for our region to protect rivers and springs. Because GRU pumps water from the aquifer to serve its water customers, the utility is required to offset the impacts of its pumping. The project will allow GRU to meet these requirements while also improving water quality and providing a wildlife habitat and public recreation. Additionally, GRU is partnering with Alachua County, who will operate public access to the park, minimizing GRU’s operating costs while providing much-needed community greenspace.
Will construction of this project increase my utility rates as a GRU customer?
No, GRU’s share of the project cost is included in its capital budget.
What impact will the wetland have on adjacent property values?
GRU has not conducted a market study to predict this information. However, in general, a desirable public park increases the value of nearby properties.
Will the construction of wetlands give unwanted pests, such as mosquitos, a new place to breed?
The constructed wetlands will feature a diverse ecosystem that naturally controls mosquito populations through predators such as birds, frogs, fish and insects. While GRU will monitor mosquito populations, the planned plantings and habitat creation make it unlikely that mosquitoes will become a significant issue. If necessary, GRU can implement mosquito control measures.
Will the presence of the wetland cause odors nearby?
As with any natural wetland, visitors may smell earthy odors within the park. Odors are not expected to be an issue for park neighbors.
Will the wetland be secure?
The wetland site will feature LED lighting to meet Alachua County safety standards, focused on parking and entry areas. The lighting will not extend beyond the park’s property line. GRU and Alachua County Parks will control access, with the park being fully fenced and gated. Alachua County Parks will establish hours of operation.
What type of buffers will be installed around the project?
A naturally vegetated setback of at least 50 feet will be maintained along the northern site boundary, ensuring separation between the park and neighboring properties. Additionally, the project team is committed to preserving the large, mature trees along the northern and western property lines, enhancing the natural screening and providing a scenic backdrop. These vegetated areas will not only contribute to the aesthetics of the area but also help support local wildlife and maintain a peaceful environment for nearby residents.
Are there any risks of sinkholes forming in the wetlands?
Western Alachua County is naturally prone to sinkholes due to its underlying limestone geology. GRU will engineer and construct the wetland areas to minimize the potential for sinkholes. Licensed geotechnical engineers completed geotechnical studies of the site and will continue to assess conditions throughout the design and construction phases. Based on our experience, we expect small sinkholes to occasionally form within the wetlands. These sinkholes will not extend beyond the property line or affect neighboring properties. GRU has a county-approved sinkhole response plan in place to quickly address and repair any sinkholes that may occur.
Will the constructed wetlands need to be dredged or redone in the future?
Constructed wetlands are designed to be low-maintenance and sustainable, with natural processes doing the work to filter and further clean the water. However, like any system, periodic maintenance is required to ensure long-term performance. GRU will monitor the health of the wetland vegetation. Over time, some sediment may accumulate in certain areas, and targeted dredging and vegetation replanting might be needed to maintain recharge capacity and water quality. GRU will monitor the wetland regularly and address any necessary maintenance to keep the system functioning effectively for years to come.
How can I find out more about the project or progress of construction?
You can sign up to receive newsletters and announcements with updates on the project’s progress. We’ll share important milestones, construction updates, and other exciting developments as the project moves forward.
Contact Us