Another year, another stellar performance that earned national recognition for our treatment plant operations.
Four of our plants were honored with Platinum Peak Performance Awards from the National Association of Clean Water Agencies headquartered in Washington D.C. To earn the awards, the treatment plants must meet 100 percent compliance with the effluent discharge limits set by permits under the federal Clean Water Act and the state’s Water Pollution Control Law.
Our Carnation Treatment Plant earned its first Platinum award for five consecutive years of perfect compliance with its discharge requirements.
The plant has been in operation since 2008, serving about 2,000 people who live and work within the City of Carnation. With its advanced technology and innovative design, the plant produces exceptionally high-quality recycled water that enhances wetlands and preserves local habitat near the Chinook Bend Natural Area.
In addition to the recycled water it produces, the plant has been designed with numerous green features that minimize impacts on the environment, conserve resources and maximize energy efficiency.
The Vashon Treatment Plant, which began operating in 2007 to serve about 1,100 people who live and work within the Vashon Sewer District, was also honored with a Platinum award. The plant treats about 180,000 gallons of wastewater a day, with a capacity to handle up to 1.4 million gallons during storms.
Our South Treatment Plant in Renton just met its 19th consecutive year of being a Platinum award-winner.
In service since 1965, South Plant protects public health and water quality for about 700,000 people in communities south and east of Lake Washington. The plant treats an average of 90 million gallons of wastewater each day, with a capacity to treat up to 300 million gallons during severe storms.
South Plant also hosts the award-winning Waterworks Gardens Park, where art, technology and nature join in a unique way. The park’s extensive network of wetlands acts as a natural treatment system to clean stormwater runoff from the plant site. Waterworks Gardens is open to the public year-round from dawn to dusk.
West Point Treatment Plant attained its 16th Platinum award for perfect compliance for its effluent limits in 2016.
In service since 1966, our West Point Treatment Plant serves more than 700,000 people who live and work in Seattle and its northern suburbs. The plant treats an average of 100 million gallons of stormwater and wastewater each day, with a capacity to treat up to 440 million gallons during severe storms.
The plant site is located next to Seattle’s Discovery Park. During a plant upgrade project in the 1990s, King County restored natural areas around West Point, installed screening berms and native plantings, and expanded public beach access. Today, the Loop trail and the South Beach are among the park’s most beloved areas.
Check out our online Facts about our System for more information about our operations and service area.
King County Wastewater Treatment 
Whoo Hoo – Go WTD!