Nature-based systems deliver more reliable results: constructed wetlands not only achieve very good effluent quality, but also maintain it significantly more consistently than technical small-scale wastewater treatment plants. Studies show a lower probability of exceeding regulatory limits and a higher rate of simultaneous compliance with all limit values – a decisive advantage for safe operation and permitting.
In Acolman (State of Mexico), a new nature-based wastewater treatment plant is under construction for the Los Héroes Acolman residential development. The system follows the proven model used in our projects in Rayón, Mexicali and Cihuatlán: robust primary treatment, natural sludge humification, and a vertical-flow constructed wetland, followed by a naturally designed polishing pond providing substantial ecological added value.
At Aquatech Mexico 2025, held September 2–4 at Centro Banamex, Mexico City, J&S Engineers will present innovative water reuse solutions. Our Constructed Wetlands (CW) offer eco-friendly wastewater treatment, enabling irrigation for greenery, parks, and buildings while reducing pollutant discharge into rivers. These systems lower freshwater use, energy costs, and wastewater fees, promoting sustainability. Projects like Cihuatlán and Mexicali demonstrate high purification with minimal energy, supporting local ecosystems. Our work enhances quality of life for communities, flora, and fauna, making CWs a cornerstone of sustainable urban water management.
The BW Green Building in Bietigheim-Bissingen redefines sustainable architecture with an innovative Constructed Wetland (CW) by J&S Engineers. The CW naturally treats greywater, and the purified water, combined with harvested rainwater from cisterns, is used to irrigate roof and facade greenery. This approach minimizes wastewater, utilizes excess nutrients for plant fertilization, and cools the building through evaporation, enhancing the urban microclimate. Designed as an attractive green terrace, the CW demonstrates how biological water treatment can be efficiently and visibly integrated into modern architecture.
At the 2025 GWP Annual Conference in Berlin, J&S Engineers, represented by André Schäller, showcased sustainable solutions with Constructed Wetlands (CW). These provide decentralized, cost-effective wastewater treatment, enhance urban microclimates, and promote biodiversity. In developing countries, they create economic opportunities, notably in Mexico with projects involving sludge humification and ecological ponds.
We continue our work in the field of nature-based wastewater treatment in Mexico. Our third large-scale project is currently being implemented in Rayón, involving the rehabilitation and expansion of an existing wastewater treatment plant.
Janisch & Schulz Mexico has completed a new constructed wetland near Ciudad Guadalupe Victoria. The project expands an existing lagoon-based treatment plant with two additional purification stages: eight vertical-flow planted filters (12,800 m²) and a series of polishing ponds (14,000 m²). This combination significantly enhances treatment efficiency and supports the ecological restoration of the area.rdert die ökologische Aufwertung des Gebiets.
J&S Engineers lead the construction of another project, benefiting more than 20.000 people in Rayón.
Since the German Janisch & Schulz Engineering Company was awarded the contract for building several Constructed Wetland projects in Mexico in 2018, significant progress has beed made.
The J&S Wetland Roofs system represents a significant advancement in the purification of wastewater on green roofs, simultaneously offering passive cooling effects in buildings.
Our team has completed the installation of a new hybrid Constructed Wetland (CW) in a rose nursery in Steinfurth, Germany. This project, finished in June 2023, represents a significant advancement in CW innovation, achieving superior treatment efficiency with a nearly 40% reduction in space requirements!
Bw Green Building