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 The Carnation Treatment Plant is nestled between the Snoqualmie River, farmlands, and a short distance to downtown Carnation.
WTD's two community treatment facilities in Carnation and on Vashon Island are consistently meeting exceptional water quality standards. These two plants are small - Carnation serves about 2,000 people -- but in their own quiet ways, they make a big difference to the communities they serve. Washington State Department of Ecology recently handed both plants Outstanding Performance awards for consistently meeting water quality standards, highlighting the dedicated WTD teams who work around the lock to keep our local waterways safe.
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 Battery cabinets stand ready at the newly completed Power Quality Project at West Point Treatment Plant, ensuring stable and efficient power for critical operations.
Just in time for the upcoming winter storm season, WTD has completed construction of a high-voltage battery system at West Point Treatment Plant. More than 48,000 battery cells, housed in a 24,000 square foot building, are hooked up to the plant’s critical pump system. They will prevent the equipment from shutting down during split-second voltage sags from the inbound power lines.
The battery system is unique in the nation and an innovative solution to keeping Puget Sound safe during severe weather, making the plant more resilient to climate impacts. To top it all off, a roof-top solar array is powering lighting and HVAC systems in the battery building, adding to the plant’s energy efficiency. As project teams celebrate this milestone, they are also looking to dozens of new projects underway to upgrade West Point, the state’s largest treatment plant by volume and one of the largest on the West Coast.
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 Volunteers restock the produce stand at the White Center Foodbank.
What does wastewater treatment have to do with feeding local families in need? CitySoil Farm on the grounds of South Treatment Plant in Renton has grown and donated over 15 tons of fresh fruit and vegetables over the last decade to the White Center Food Bank, all while showing the value of recycled water and biosolids.
Wrapping up another fruitful summer, we took a trip to where the food ends up to see the partnership in action. The summer’s bounty included varieties that match the culinary tastes of the households served: Thai basil, daikon radishes, tomatillos, Roma variety tomatoes, and Kuri squash, to name a few. Learn more about the partnership and how to volunteer.
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 Ben Beres, co-founder of the Mini Mart City Park, shows off their state-of-the-art groundwater cleaning system.
Curious how art and environmental stewardship intersect? At Mini Mart City Park – a former gas station turned eco-friendly art space in Georgetown – co-founder Ben Beres explains how green infrastructure can help water quality. With funding from WTD’s WaterWorks Grant Program, the site includes an innovative groundwater cleaning system to decontaminate soil.
“This is a tiny speck of land, but what we learn here can help future projects and better water quality for future generations,” says Beres. Read more about the project WTD’s Clean Water Blog.
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 A group tours a demonstration rain garden at the Georgetown Wet Weather Treatment Station.
WTD is accepting applications for King County’s first ever Partners in Water grant program. Six grants totaling $160,000 will connect community organizations to WTD teams to advance community priorities around green jobs and strengthen partnerships in wastewater infrastructure projects in historically underserved communities.
The application webpage includes resources such as recorded Q&A webinars, application tips, and guidance on submitting strong proposals. Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 30, 2024. Apply today and be part of a sustainable future.
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 Hear from our treatment plant operators and learn what a career at King County could look like for you.
We’re partnering with South Seattle College this fall to host a job fair and workforce training symposium.
Jobseekers can explore diverse career and paid training opportunities in clean water, sustainable building, and construction! The event will feature hands-on “day in the life” job demonstrations, networking, resume assistance, and opportunities to meet employers hiring now and in the near future. Spanish interpretation will be available.
King County Wastewater Treatment Division is co-sponsoring this event as part of our community outreach effort for the Mouth of Duwamish Wet Weather Facilities program, aiming to connect with people who live and work in South Seattle and also connect people with family-wage jobs. It builds on the Sustainable Jobs Fair and Symposium, a similar event held earlier this year, which attracted over 400 participants.
Date: Wednesday, Oct. 23 from 4 to 7 p.m.
Who: Free and open to anyone at all stages of careers and education
Where: South Seattle College Georgetown Campus: 6737 Corson Avenue South, Seattle, WA 98108
Register by Friday, Oct. 18, to receive a printed nametag at the event.
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 King County staff and members of Puget Soundkeeper Alliance tour Brightwater Treatment Plant.
WTD recently hosted Puget Soundkeeper Alliance for a tour of Brightwater Treatment Plant near Woodinville, one of our regional wastewater facilities.
We’re excited to show off these facilities so people can see firsthand what it takes to operate and maintain a complex system that cleans millions of gallons of wastewater every day to protect public health and water quality across the region.
We offer free tours of our wastewater treatment plants for schools, community groups, and the public. See upcoming tours or submit a request for your group.
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