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February 2025
Protecting our environment for generations to come
At King County Wastewater Treatment Division, we’re committed to keeping our waters clean and healthy. The work we do helps us meet our mission to protect our community’s health and the environment. This includes cleaning wastewater, recycling resources, and monitoring the environment around our facilities.
In this issue, you’ll learn more about:
- An update on the Alpha Hill erosion control project to protect water quality
- How you can create a sustainable landscape in a free yard care workshop
- How people of all ages can learn more about the environment and wastewater treatment process at Brightwater
If you know others who are interested in Brightwater, share this newsletter with them and encourage them to sign up for these emails! Visit Brightwater’s web page to learn more about the treatment plant and trails area.
Alpha Hill erosion control project schedule update
We acknowledge that the project’s timeline has shifted. The project team continues working to bring on a contractor for construction. Weather and material availability can also affect project schedules. We’ll send an update once we set a start date for the temporary trail closures in the south trails area.
These temporary closures will help keep everyone safe during construction. Once complete, this project will not change access to Brightwater’s three miles of maintained trails. We’ll keep you updated on progress for this project.
Erosion impacts our region's salmon
The Alpha Hill project aims to protect Little Bear Creek, which supports multiple endangered salmon species, from the effects of sediment erosion. We test water quality around Brightwater as part of our commitment to protecting the environment. Testing shows impacts from sediment in surface water runoff flowing west from Alpha Hill into natural areas. Sediment can get into the water from informal paths on the steep hillside. Sediment harms water quality and local wildlife, such as salmon.
The project will maintain the look and feel of the Brightwater trails area. We’re doing this by installing a landscape buffer, rock wall, and fencing around the base of Alpha Hill. The project team selected fencing material to blend in and reduce maintenance and labor. The plants will help soften the hill’s look, provide wildlife habitat, and slow and filter runoff into Little Bear Creek.
 Local waterways are home to endangered salmon species, like this Kokanee salmon. Photo credit: King County Wastewater Treatment.
Alpha Hill is closed to public access. Please follow posted signage and stay on open trails to protect the surrounding landscape. If you’re looking for a new hill to climb nearby, check out: Norway Hill in Blyth Park, Hollywood Hill along the Tolt Pipeline Trail, or the Wetland Plateau Trail in the Paradise Valley Conservation Area.
Visit kingcounty.gov/BrightwaterProjects for project updates.
Learn sustainable yard care in early 2025
Ready to get your hands in the dirt? Learn how to create beneficial landscapes and grow your own food at this years’ free Sustainable Yard Care Series.
Ready to create a beautiful, low-maintenance yard but aren't sure where to start? We’ve teamed up with Snohomish Conservation District to offer a free Sustainable Yard Care Series at Brightwater’s Education Center. Whether you're new to sustainable practices or just want to learn more, these classes are a fun way to get inspired and start your journey to a healthy, eco-friendly landscape.
Saturday, Feb. 22: Creating Habitat (10 a.m. – noon): Discover how to use native plants and habitat features to attract local wildlife and create a landscape that’s both beautiful and beneficial. Register here
Saturday, March 1: Sustainable Gardening (10 a.m. – noon): Get started on growing your own food with easy, low-impact techniques. This class is packed with resources to help you plan your spring garden. Register here
Join us for these free classes and take the first step toward a sustainable yard!
Sign up for IslandWood summer camps at Brightwater Education Center (Pre-K through Grade 6)!
Do you know any kids keen to learn about science and the environment this summer? IslandWood is offering summer camps for kids at the Brightwater Education Center! Campers will explore Brightwater’s 72 acres of forest and trails. They’ll get to play games and do fun science activities.
Camp registration opens Feb. 28. Learn more about the summer camp and sign up online.
Do you know a teen who is too old for camp but wants to get involved? High schoolers can volunteer to help IslandWood staff with summer camp at Brightwater! Learn more and apply online.
An educator helps three young students complete a science activity in the Brightwater trails area.
Expand your horizons and create a sustainable future in a paid summer internship – Applications open soon
King County Wastewater Treatment Division will be accepting applications for summer internship opportunities soon. We offer a wide range of fields that design, build, and operate our regional clean water system. The paid internship program is open to college or graduate students who are considering careers that build a sustainable future! Learn more about the internship program and check the website for updates.
What happens when you flush your toilet? What does a treatment plant look like? Learn this and more on a plant tour!
We offer tours throughout the year. Find out when tours are happening and sign up on the Upcoming Events webpage.
To request a tour for groups, fill out the online form or email Kristin.Covey@kingcounty.gov.
A group of people learn about the wastewater treatment process inside the Brightwater Treatment Plant.
Join King County’s Workforce
King County Wastewater Treatment Division employees have developed successful career paths with King County. Read their stories here.
Find your career with competitive pay, benefits, and a pension plan today by applying on governmentjobs.com/careers/kingcounty. Get notified about new positions by searching KC Jobs and set up automatic notifications for any job category of interest, such as "wastewater.”
Open positions at Brightwater:
Subscribe to The Bubbler
Sign up for The Bubbler newsletter to follow King County Wastewater Treatment Division’s latest news and updates on clean water investments. Get caught up by checking out the past issues, available on our website.
Questions or Comments?
Email us at Brightwater@kingcounty.gov or call 206-296-7432. If you would like a call back, please leave a voicemail with your phone number. To learn more about Brightwater, visit us online at kingcounty.gov/Brightwater.
Interpretation and translation services are available to you at no cost. If you need them, please contact Brightwater@kingcounty.gov or call 206-296-7432. Please leave a message with your phone number and language if you would like a call back.
Los servicios de interpretación y traducción disponibles para usted sin costo alguno. Si los necesita, comuníquese con Brightwater@kingcounty.gov o llame al 206-296-7432. Deje un mensaje de voz con su número de teléfono y su idioma si desea que le regresen la llamada.
免費為您提供口譯和筆譯服務。如果您需要這些服 務，請聯絡 Brightwater@kingcounty.gov.
免费为您提供口译和笔译服务。如果您需要这些服 务，请联络 Brightwater@kingcounty.gov.
Alternative Formats Available: 206-477-5371 or TTY Relay: 711
Formatos alternativos disponibles: 206-477-5371 o retransmisión TTY: 711
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