The village of Dunhill in Co. Waterford is the origin of the Integrated Constructed Wetland (ICW) concept. Initially developed in the 1990s for the treatment of farmyard wastewaters (roof and yard runoff), the ICW approach was subsequently applied to municipal wastewater treatment, with a focus on delivering a wider range of ecosystem services: biodiversity, landscape fit, public amenities and optimal land-use.

The original Dunhill village ICW was built in 1999/2000 for an approximate population of 100 residents. Following the increase in the village population (500), the ICW was extended in 2012 by Waterford County Council with funding from the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government.

Today it treats all the storm and waste waters from Dunhill Village. It now serves as a popular amenity and recreational area, hosting educational groups and café amenities. It has grown from strength to strength with fantastic public and local engagement.

The Dunhill ICW is linked with the Anne Valley Project, whose key objective is to improve the valley’s various habitats towards delivering a range of social and environmental benefits.