Manning, Sims, Grunenfelder to speak about reclaimed water

OLYMPIA – News reporters are invited to hear the latest on "reclaiming" water in the state of Washington - and witness the commitment of state and local leaders in converting waste to renewable resource at a conference titled “Reclaimed Water: Tapping the New Resource” the morning of June 12 in Seattle.

Speakers will include Washington Department of Ecology Director Jay Manning, King County Executive Ron Sims and Washington Department of Health Assistant Secretary of Environmental Health Gregg Grunenfelder.

Reclaiming, or re-using, water means using engineered treatment systems to speed up nature’s restoration of water quality. Treatment allows wastewater to be cleansed and re-used in many non-drinking uses in landscapes, public parks, and to irrigate golf courses. Reclaimed water may also be used in agricultural and industrial uses, for toilet flushing, dust control, construction activities, and to create wetlands and ponds.

Reclaimed water recharges aquifers and increases flows in our rivers and streams. Use of reclaimed water may improve Puget Sound’s water quality by reducing wastewater discharges.

Beginning at 8:25 a.m. each leader will give a 15 minute speech. The remarks will include an announcement inviting all conference participants to sign a proclamation of support for reclaimed water.

The day-long workshop will be held at the conference center of the Seattle Airport Hilton at 17620 International Blvd in Seattle. The conference center is located just above the parking garage and can be reached by the parking garage elevator.

From the north: Take I-5 southbound, take the 188th St exit (exit 152) and merge onto 188th westbound. Go to the third light which is International Blvd. Turn right onto the boulevard. The conference center and hotel are on the right, just before the fourth light at 176th Street.

From the south: Take I-5 northbound, take the 188th St exit (exit 152). There is a light at the bottom of exit. Turn left onto 188th. Follow this to the fifth light which is International Boulevard. Turn right onto the boulevard. The conference center and hotel are on the right, just before the fourth light at 176th Street.

Reporters, please check in at the registration desk to receive free admittance.

Workshop website: http://www.pncwa.org/Committees/WaterReuse/index.html
Reclaimed water online: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/reclaim/index.html