Orlando Wetlands Park: A manmade wetland that helps naturally filter wastewater

One of Orange County’s most unique parks has an important mission beyond providing habitat for Central Florida’s wildlife.

The 1,650-acre Orlando Wetlands Park might seem like a natural paradise, but it is actually a manmade wetland designed to provide advanced treatment to reclaimed water.

Beneath the boardwalk, bird-watchers spy on Roseate spoonbills on waters sourced from 16 miles away -- an iron bridge regional reclamation facility.

“This facility treats 40 million gallons per day of sewage -- about 18 million gallons (of which make their) way to Orlando Wetlands Park,” said Paul Deuel, a water reclamations manager for the city of Orlando.

Most of the reclaimed water that is processed is pumped through underground piping to Orlando Wetlands Park.