The wetland consists of three large connected basins, covering a total of 16.9 hectares, 10.7 of which is underwater. The overall design of the wetland is to filter water slowly through the basins, which is being progressively planted with species of water plants to remove phosphorus and nitrogen from the water. Each basin is divided into individual cells, with concrete spreader bars, which slow down the movement of water across the basin. The water will take approximately 150 days to flow from the effluent ponds through the entire system. All basins are connected, and can also be isolated, so that any basin can be dried or flooded when necessary to mimic a natural system. This sets Laratinga apart from other constructed wetlands. An important function of the wetland system is that water does not enter the Mt Barker Creek, except perhaps during winter. The wetland-cleansed water is used for local irrigators, and the creek will return to a more natural state of drying in summer and running in winter and spring. This will benefit the ecology of the creek tremendously.

Basin One

This basin is where 80-90% of the nutrients will be removed from the water. This shallow, serpentine shaped basin is designed to slow water down and spread it out, as well as allowing for the survival of existing River Red Gums (Eucalyptus camaldulensis). Several concrete spreader bars will slow the movement of water further. This basin will be planted with Phragmites australis (Common Reed) which is widely known for its effectiveness at removing nutrients from water.

The ground to the west of basin one has been planted with Drooping Sheoak (Allocasuarina verticillata) with an understorey of Hakeas to form a food forest for Cockatoos and in particular the Yellow Tail Black Cockatoo.

Basin Two

This basin is approximately 3.6 hectares in size, connected to basin one by a concrete pipe to combat slope problems between basins one and two. The water entering this basin has improved considerably in clarity due to the filtering of basin one. This gently sloping basin is designed to support a variety of plant species. Deep pools provide habitat for aquatic organisms such as fish when the basin dries out in summer. This basin will be stocked with indigenous fish species, including Mountain Galaxias Galaxias olidus. Eastern Snake-necked turtles and invertebrates such as Yabbies, Shrimp and aquatic insects colonise the basin at present.