Why plan now?
Reclaimed water planning for the future (PDF)
The Washington State Legislature has encouraged and supported reclaimed water use since passage of the State’s Reclaimed Water Act in 1992. Reclaimed water is a drought-resistant source of water available on a year-round basis. Its use can save taking water out of aquifers, rivers and lakes as well as serve as a source for putting clean water back into the environment, which means more water is available for fish, wildlife, recreation, and drinking. The production and use of reclaimed water also serves as an important tool for improving water quality and reducing discharge of treated wastewater into Puget Sound and other sensitive areas. The drivers for carrying out the reclaimed water comprehensive planning process now are - Regional wastewater planning
- Creating resources from wastewater
- Protecting water quality in Puget Sound.
The drivers are summarized below and described in more detail in the Reclaimed Water Comprehensive Plan purpose and need statement, located on the library page.
Drivers for planning now
1. Regional Wastewater System PlanningThe planning process will consider the role of reclaimed water as a wastewater management tool and a water resource for the region as part of the operation of the wastewater system over the next 30 years.
- State, regional, and county policies support development and use of reclaimed water and recognize. Washington State laws require consideration of reclaimed water in wastewater planning; Puget Sound Regional Council’s Vision 2040 calls for increased use of reclaimed water to reduce wastewater generation and ensure water availability; and King County’s Regional Wastewater Services Plan policies call for the county to explore ways to increase use and opportunities for reclaimed water at treatment plants and actively pursue use of reclaimed water to help preserve to help preserve water supplies in region, enhance or maintain fish runs, and preserve environmental and aesthetic values.
- Between 2012 and 2030, as part of the Regional Wastewater Services Plan, King County has over $500 million in conveyance system and treatment plant improvements planned. It is important to evaluate the role that reclaimed water may have in meeting future needs so that wastewater facility decisions do not foreclose opportunities to implement reclaimed water projects and to avoid costly retrofits to the planned conveyance and treatment capacity improvements should conditions and regulations change.
2. Creating Resources from WastewaterWTD’s vision is "creating resources from wastewater." Byproducts from the wastewater treatment process include biosolids, digester gas, and effluent. All of WTD’s biosolids are used as a fertilizer and soil amendment for forestry and agricultural applications and to make compost. A large percentage of the digester gas produced during the solids treatment is used to fuel pumps and generate electricity at the regional treatment plants. A small amount of reclaimed water is currently produced from effluent at the county's regional treatment plants. This water is used for on-site regional plant purposes and is distributed off-site for irrigation uses and public works uses such as street sweeping and sewer flushing. Reclaimed water is one tool that could help address water resource needs and future challenges, such as increased development and climate change impacts. Conducting the planning process now provides the opportunity for a regional discussion on expanding King County’s existing reclaimed water system can help prepare for and address future uncertainties.
3. Protecting Water Quality in Puget SoundThe health of Puget Sound is in decline. In recognition of this fact, the Washington State Legislature created the Puget Sound Partnership (external link) in 2007. The Partnership’s Action Agenda recommends strategies to reduce wastewater discharges to Puget Sound and calls for expanding and promoting opportunities to reuse and reclaim water resources. The Reclaimed Water Comprehensive Plan will evaluate reclaimed water as a wastewater management tool to reduce reliance on Puget Sound for discharge. |
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