The Tres Rios Ecosystem Restoration and Flood Control Project provides a rare
opportunity for documenting the
development of a wetland system in
the desert from its inception. Ron Elkins. City of Phoenix. pdf 
Youth STEM Investigator, Bekah, visits the Tres Rios Wetlands and meets civil engineer, Robert Upham. Robert explains how civil engineers designed and built the wetlands that are used as a waste water treatment plant. video
Habitat development is crucial to the viability of the ecosystem, as is initial water quality data upon which relevant operational decisions are made. Internal processes need to be monitored and the personnel and equipment to do so must be made available.
The 2011 economic climate dictates that this will be a challenge for some time. With the assistance of its caretakers, the wetlands can yield impressive water quality results, perform flood mitigation, and be an ecological benefit to the area.
Part 1. Tres
Rios
from
the
beginning. pdf
Part 2. Daily Operational Challenges:
Water Quality to Ecology. pdf
Part 3. A Fine Line
Ecology,
Vector Control
and the Pesticide General Permit. pdf
Part 4. Water Balance
and Hydraulic Control. pdf
See Tamarix invasive species.