The Brightwater Trails area in Woodinville has been popular for families, dog walkers, birders, and runners since it opened. Three miles of trails have connected people to nature and art for over 10 years. This year, the trails provided a welcome breath of fresh air for people looking to get some socially distanced exercise outside.…
Our employees plan, design, build and operate treatment facilities to clean wastewater for the region. As part of that, they often participate in teaching students about the wide variety of careers in clean water, especially as they relate to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Employees are also often involved in local and regional equity…
We don’t just treat wastewater! One of the things our utility does is education on water issues and solutions for students and community members. When we couldn’t do in-person teaching due to COVID-19, our utility’s education team adapted many of our programs to be online. Recently, we partnered with the Snohomish Conservation District to offer…
Across King County, there are gardens on rooftops, behind buildings, and nestled in unused parking lots. These spaces draw people from their apartments, homes, and living spaces. People connect with the land—even in the most unlikely of places. Community gardens are a public good. They provide greenspaces in concrete jungles. They help combat food insecurity…
Let’s face it, when you think of Green Jobs or STEM careers, you don’t immediately think of jobs involving wastewater. But wastewater jobs are all about keeping our water resources clean for now and the future. Each year, our utility’s education team introduces local youth and college students to careers that keep our water clean.…
CitySoil Farm at King County’s South Treatment Plant in Renton was able to donate 3,762 lbs. of fresh, culturally-relevant fruits and vegetables to the White Center Food Bank this year – even thought we had to cancel our in-person education programs and volunteers. In a typical year, our utility’s education team brings hundreds of students…
When local closures began in the spring of 2020 due to COVID-19, our utility’s employees quickly adapted to assure our essential services to the public continued. We also moved many of our interactions with the public online – such as meetings and educational classes. Keeping our operators healthy so we can protect YOUR health King…
Many developing Asian countries face unique challenges delivering quality wastewater services. In an effort to mentor these communities and help them protect human health and the environment, a team of our employees participated in information sharing through the Water Operators Partnership (WOP) that supports improved sanitation in Mongolia. The partnership is financially sponsored by the Asian Development…
Do you love to geek out on all things wastewater? Well, we do! Occasionally, we get requests for King County sewer “gear”. Here’s some of our favorite blasts from the past and present: Toilets aren’t Trash Cans! For those who love to help spread the word that the only thing people should flush is human…
Did you know plumbers refer to the day after Thanksgiving as “Brown Friday” because of the uptick in business they get from feast-clogged pipes and sewer lines? Fats, oils and grease (also known as “FOG”) can cause major home plumbing issues – as well as problems in the sewer system. Just as fatty foods clog arteries,…
King County Wastewater Treatment 