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 A group of King County Wastewater Treatment Division interns holds a rope to visualize the 8-foot-diameter pipe that carries water into the Georgetown Wet Weather Treatment Station.
We’re about halfway through the summer, and our college interns — both undergraduates and graduate students — are getting out to see the ins and outs of the Wastewater Treatment Division (WTD). They’ve toured our treatment plants, pitched in on real projects, and are getting hands-on experience in clean water professions.
This year’s group has taken on tasks, such as mapping infrastructure, modeling pump stations, tracking water quality, and supporting construction projects. At the end of the summer, each intern will present what they’ve learned and accomplished to our staff.
Interested in joining the program next summer? Keep an eye out for the job postings early next year.
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 Joy Okazaki, board president of the Kubota Garden Foundation, takes King County staff on a tour of the gardens to learn how they utilized funds from previous WaterWorks grants.
King County’s WaterWorks Grant Program is now accepting applications for projects that protect and improve water quality. The program provides approximately $5 million in funding every two years to organizations for efforts, such as rain gardens, habitat restoration, pollution prevention, and education. Nonprofits, schools and educational institutions, cities, counties, tribes, and special purpose districts are all eligible to apply. Partnerships are encouraged.
There are two ways for applicants to apply for a WaterWorks grant. For the Council Track, King County Councilmembers select local projects for funding, while the Competitive Track goes through a countywide review panel to choose water quality projects.
Council Track
- Applications due July 29, 2025
- $1.6 million available
- Request $10,000 - $200,000
- Projects start early 2026
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Unfunded proposals move to Competitive Track
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Competitive Track
- Opens Aug. 19 - Sept. 30, 2025
- $4.6 million available
- Letter of Intent required
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Projects start late 2026 or early 2027
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 Hear from our staff on how this system is helping to safely operate the treatment plant.
“I had my doubts at first, but after seeing how it’s worked — and what it’s helped us avoid — I’m a believer,” says Clinton Fisher, acting Instrumentation and Electrical Supervisor at West Point Treatment Plant.
The onsite battery power system, which has already won multiple engineering awards, kept critical pumps operating during 78 power disruptions during its first year of operation. There were 15 instances when pumps were powered exclusively by more than 2,000 batteries housed in the 24,000-square-foot structure.
It is among dozens of improvements we’ve made in recent years to make the state’s largest treatment plant safer, more reliable, and more resilient to climate impacts.
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 Hear from contractors and King County staff about working together on these lasting partnerships.
Collecting and cleaning more than 170 million gallons of wastewater each day is no small task, but it’s work that makes a real difference. WTD manages the largest capital portfolio in King County, with more than 100 open contracts at any given time. These investments in clean water infrastructure do more than protect public health and the environment, they also create local jobs, support small and diverse businesses, and make our communities thrive.
At this year’s Contractor Outreach and Networking event, we caught up with contractors and consultants to hear about their experiences working with King County.
One consultant summed it up well: “It’s not just about delivering great projects ... it’s also about opening doors for people like me.”
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 Firefighters use ropes to lower a team member down a service hatch during a confined space rescue drill at South Treatment Plant.
Ever wonder how firefighters train for the most challenging rescues? Each year, crews from across the region come to South Treatment Plant in Renton for hands-on training. They navigate tight, confined spaces and build life-saving skills in real-world conditions. See how these annual drills help keep our first responders and our communities safer.
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Did you know we’re putting lots of great content on Facebook and Instagram? Check out some of our most popular posts where we share exciting updates, inspiring stories, and fun behind-the-scenes moments – there’s always something interesting going on around here. Follow us and stay connected to all the action!
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Major project at West Point secured a $35 million low-interest loan from Ecology, helping us invest in clean water for Puget Sound’s future.
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Rain gardens and cisterns are collecting stormwater like it’s the latest gossip. Check to see if you’re eligible for a RainWise rebate.
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The Coal Creek Sewer Upgrade Project is underway, and the Upper West/Red Cedar Trailhead is closed. Check out the available detour routes.
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