The J&S Constructed Wetland system: A Vision for decentralized Wastewater Treatment Infrastructure in Latin America

The completion of the Palace of Justice in Ciudad del Este in 2020 and the subsequent inauguration of the Palace of Justice in Salto del Guairá in 2023 mark significant milestones in our commitment to sustainable development. For both projects, we implemented our established J&S Constructed Wetland (J&S CW) system, a testament to our dedication to innovative wastewater treatment solutions.

Paraguay faces challenges with limited sanitary infrastructure for wastewater treatment, leading to untreated effluents in natural water bodies. Over the past three decades, our decentralized solutions have aimed to circumvent the need for extensive and expensive centralized sanitation projects. Our vision is to introduce more decentralized and ecological solutions in Latin America, not only functional but also aesthetically designed with high educational value to raise community awareness about water preservation.

The J&S CW system, employed in both projects, stands out for its simplicity in maintenance and low energy consumption—essential factors in many Latin American regions. It aligns seamlessly with our goal to provide efficient solutions that prioritize simplicity, robustness and a long life span.These projects, realized in Paraguay, exemplify the transformative capabilities of CW technology in modern architecture. By integrating seamlessly into urban environments, contributing to an intelligent design, and promoting the visibility of sanitation practices, our projects set an inspiring precedent. Additionally, they serve as a powerful educational tool, emphasizing the importance of responsible waste management to the younger generation.

Janisch & Schulz takes pride in contributing to urban planning, comprehensive architecture, and the essential cause of water conservation. Our commitment to promote efficient water solutions continues to drive our efforts, and we remain dedicated to shaping a future where intelligent infrastructure harmonizes with ecological responsibility.

Palace of Justice, Ciudad del Este:

The innovative J&S Constructed Wetland system in Ciudad del Este, a commercial hub in the triple border with Brazil and Argentina, has been operational since 2019. The solution consists of 300 m² of vertical flow constructed wetland built in terraces, designed to purify 40,000 liters of wastewater per day through biological processes.

Location of the J&S Constructed Wetland system at the Palace of Justice in Ciudad del Este:

Link to Google Maps: https://goo.gl/…

Palace of Justice, Salto del Guairá:

Salto del Guairá is the capital of the Canindeyú Department. The city is located on the Paraná River, on the border with Brazil, in the far east of Paraguay, about 230 kilometers north of Ciudad del Este. The city is famous for having been named after the famous Guiará-Waterfalls that are now submerged under the surface of the Itaipú hydroelectric dam reservoir.

In early 2023, the construction of the new building was completed. Wastewater is treated by a 250 m2 vertical-flow J&S Constructed Wetland system. We obtained the project award due to the positive experience of the Ministry of Justice with the Fitotreatment system in Ciudad del Este.

Location of the wastewater treatment plant at the Palace of Justice in Salto del Guairá:

Link to Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/…