A group of people in masks, hardhats and safety vest stand on a concrete structure with metal railings

Wastewater Operator-in-Training Program recognized with 2023 National Environmental Achievement Award

The National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) recognized King County Wastewater Treatment Division’s Operator-in-Training program as a 2023 National Environmental Achievement Award winner for “initiatives that have made a remarkable impact on environmental protection, the advancement of the water sector, and the betterment of their communities.” There’s a nationwide shortage of wastewater operators. Our…

Finding a job that fits you, pays well AND is meaningful is amazing. If you like freedom and change you might like operating a wastewater treatment plant. We’ll help you find out – and pay to train you.

Our business is unconventional – and that works for a lot of our employees We get it. Any of us who work here at King County’s Wastewater Treatment Division (WTD) have been asked what we do for a living – and we’ve seen the smirks and heard the giggles when we explain we help run…

Wastewater workers prepare for rainy weather

As rainy weather approaches, we are on the job 24/7

As we move into the rainy season, our crews are on the job 24/7 to ensure the region’s wastewater treatment service is well-prepared for an emergency or stormy weather. To make sure we’re ready for what wet weather can bring, we have inspected and replaced equipment, updated control systems and increased training of treatment plant…

King County South Treatment Plant

Utility of the Future Today & awards for outstanding performance

King County Wastewater Treatment Division (WTD) has received national recognition as a Utility of the Future Today for its beneficial use of Loop® biosolids. WTD is one of 65 water utilities being recognized for transformational work in community engagement, watershed stewardship, and recovery of resources such as water, energy, and nutrients. The Utility of the Future…

stainless steel scrubbers

The case of the metal strands – teamwork leads to the source of treatment system damage

When wastewater comes into the Carnation Wastewater Treatment Plant, it first passes through a process that removes larger particles like trash and grit from the water. Next, the water flows through a process that involves tanks containing membranes. These membranes are fine filters (like spaghetti) that only allow water molecules to flow through. When staff…

WTD celebrates Women in Trades 40th anniversary

The annual Washington Women in Trades (WWIT) Fair marked its 40th anniversary this year. The half-day event, held in May, showcased exhibits, demonstrations, contests, education and job opportunities for women interested in pursuing careers in the trades.   King County Wastewater Treatment Division (WTD) representatives hosted an interactive exhibit and contest. Wastewater operators rallied attendees…

WTD Resource Recovery hosts visitor from Down Under to share our Biosolids expertise

King County Wastewater Treatment Division recently welcomed a visit from our wastewater treatment counterparts Watercare who serve Auckland, New Zealand🇳🇿. Their resource recovery manager Rob Tinholt, visited us to learn about our biosolids program. They’re developing their own resource recovery program and wanted to tap our resource recovery expertise so that Auckland could benefit from…

King County Wastewater Treatment supports diversity through our Operator in Training Program.

Recently, our utility’s work to recruit employees that represent our diverse and growing communities through our Operator in Training (OIT) Program was featured in the Water Environment Federation magazine. Visit the link or read the excerpt below: https://news.wef.org/king-county-enhances-diversity-through-operator-in-training-program/  Excerpt: King County Enhances Diversity Through Operator in Training Program February 21, 2019 King County, Washington is…

Updating Industrial Waste Fee Structure: Next Steps – Fall 2018

The King County Industrial Waste (KCIW) program has been working on a proposal to update the structure of its fee system. Changes require a two-step decision-making process. First the King County Council considers updating the King County Code. Pending Council approval, the Department of Natural Resources and Parks develops a Public Rule. Thirty-year old fee…

Updating Industrial Waste Fee Structure: Surcharge Customers Fall 2018

Businesses that send “high strength” or concentrated organic wastewater to the sewer system pay more because it costs more to treat this wastewater. KCIW’s Surcharge Fee currently includes the costs for both treating concentrated “high-strength” waste at a treatment plant and the cost of compliance monitoring and administering the permit or authorization. Under a proposal…