wtdsocialmedia

Three people in hard hats and safety vests tour an industrial facility, standing near a wall of metal pipes and yellow control boxes.

Operations Sustainability

August 13, 2025

When electrical demand peaks, South Plant quietly fires up its own power supply

When the region’s power grid is stretched, South Plant’s cogen system quietly switches on, generating its own electricity from biogas to keep the plant running and the community resilient.

wtdsocialmedia

A group of firefighters in safety gear coordinates a rescue using ropes and equipment over an open hatch inside a treatment plant.

Operations

July 18, 2025

Firefighters train for real emergencies with rope rescue drill at South Plant

Joint training exercises at King County’s South Treatment Plant bring together firefighters and WTD staff to practice confined space rescues, using ropes, harnesses, and supplied air lines to keep everyone safe and ready for real emergencies.

wtdsocialmedia

A smiling man in a patterned sweater speaks with a woman at the King County Jumpstart Contractor Network booth, surrounded by flyers, a laptop, and informational signs.

Community Infrastructure

June 11, 2025

Building the local economy through clean water projects

Clean water projects are creating more than infrastructure. They're creating opportunity. See how King County is supporting local jobs, small businesses, and a more equitable future.

wtdsocialmedia

Four large engines painted in red and teal sit in a large industrial building.

Operations

May 8, 2025

West Point readies for new pump system to replace its aging ‘heartbeat’

The raw sewage pumps at West Point Treatment Plant perform a critical function, moving millions of gallons of wastewater and stormwater daily. Today, they are being upgraded to ensure reliability in our system.

wtdsocialmedia

Community

March 25, 2025

Nonprofit partnerships aim to boost clean water careers in King County

King County nonprofits are breaking barriers to create a more inclusive wastewater workforce. Through collaborative community partnerships, a group of local nonprofits will be helping connect historically underrepresented groups with meaningful career opportunities in clean water management. The result? A…

wtdsocialmedia

Infrastructure Operations

February 6, 2025

The Super Flush: A myth that won’t go down the drain

Every year, as millions gather for the Super Bowl, an old urban legend resurfaces.

wtdsocialmedia

WTD Updates

December 24, 2024

Closing out 2024 with big wins for Puget Sound

Looking back at our biggest achievements of 2024 in protecting Puget Sound and advancing sustainability.

wtdsocialmedia

Two men and a woman stand on a factory floor next to a pallet with several metal barrels on it. The two men are wearing black shirts and blue jeans, they both have on safety glasses, and one is wearing a backwards, orange, hat. The woman is wearing safety glasses, an orange safety vest, and blue jeans. Around them, and in the background, there are various pieces of industrial equipment and supplies, like water tanks, the barrels, and several unidentifiable pieces of equipment. They are standing almost in the center of the frame, with the rest of the picture featuring the factory and its many pieces of equipment.

Water Quality

November 27, 2024

Aerospace manufacturer thinks globally but acts locally to protect Puget Sound waters

Hidden amongst Auburn’s dealerships, an aerospace parts manufacturer has innovatively managed their industrial wastewater. Their pretreatment process has ensured perfect permit compliance for five years, earning them King County’s Commitment to Compliance award in 2024. Their story showcases how government…

wtdsocialmedia

Community

September 13, 2024

Once a gas station, this converted art space makes an outsized impact on water quality

Discover how King County’s WaterWorks Grant Program helped transform a former gas station into an eco-friendly art space in Georgetown. The Mini Mart City Park uses the power of green infrastructure to improve local water quality while also providing classroom…

wtdsocialmedia

Community Sustainability

August 9, 2024

From purple pipes to purple plums: How a wastewater treatment plant is helping feed local families in need

In an admittedly unusual arrangement – a wastewater treatment plant is partnering up with a local foodbank to help feed thousands of local families. Using recycled water and sustainable garden practices, the South Treatment Plant is producing thousands of pounds…

wtdsocialmedia

Sustainability

June 24, 2024

Loop Truck Shop in North Bend earns LEED Platinum certification

Discover how the Loop Truck Shop in North Bend, now LEED Platinum certified, is leading the way in sustainable truck maintenance.

wtdsocialmedia

Two workers, wearing safety helmets and orange vests, are carefully positioning a large solar panel onto a rooftop installation framework under a bright, clear blue sky.

Sustainability

May 24, 2024

Powering Sustainability: WTD boosts solar capacity for a bright future

King County Wastewater Treatment Division has always been at the forefront of sustainability. Our early initiatives, such as Loop biosolids land application, renewable natural gas production from our digester, and sewer heat recovery, set the stage for our latest venture…

wtdsocialmedia