The Living Machine

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary’s old-growth cypress forest offers some of the world's best nature viewing and photographic experiences. Despite its remoteness, Sanctuary visitation started surpassing 100,000 visitors annually in the 1990s.

Sanctuary managers realized that people need toilets and taps, and the wastewater they produce could be a problem for the swamp. With no municipal sewer line connected to the Sanctuary, a septic system was the only option. However, a septic system would be problematic due to the high water table and sensitivity of the swamp.

Enter John Todd of Ocean Arks International. He designed wastewater treatment systems — called Living Machines — that used sunlight, bacteria, green plants, and animals to restore water to pure conditions.

In 1993, Dr. Todd proposed a Living Machine for Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary that would occupy an area of only 70x70 feet, purify waste without additives, and recycle 90 percent of the purified water back into the restrooms for reuse in the toilets. This innovative system is more compact and environmentally friendly than a standard septic tank system.

When the effluent exits the Living Machine, it is clean, however, it is still disinfected to meet state regulations. When activated, the water is recycled into the restrooms for flushing. A separate line brings potable water from the drinking water system for hand-washing sinks and drinking fountains.

Completed in October 1994, Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary’s Living Machine became the first treatment system of its kind permitted in Florida. Considering our changing climate, this above-ground, resilient fixture remains a great solution to an age-old problem.