Learning by doing: Using building-scale wastewater treatment wetlands as a tool for educational inspiration

A novel wastewater engineering project in Washington, D.C. is operating as a whole which is greater than the sum of its parts. Located prominently at the entrance to a noted middle school, the treatment wetland complex processes blackwater, greywater and stormwater quite literally in front of the eyes of the students. While water use savings, decentralized nutrient processing and reduced energy utilization are calculated, the greatest value may be recognized as the system’s ability to be used educationally as a tool of pedagogic inspiration.