The potential to optimize wastewater utilization, whilst achieving satisfactory nutrient removal has been investigated through a simple system combining an Artificial Wetland with a High Rate Algal Pond (HRAP). Receiving septic sewage at a surface loading equivalent to 13.5 cm/day the Wetland achieved COD removals of 59.2%, NH4–N of 34.6%, PO4-P of 31.9% and SS of 78%. The HRAP selectively cultivated an easily harvestable filamentous green alga through a combination of short hydraulic residence times (