Brightwater Marine Outfall

Brightwater's mile-long, 600-foot-deep outfall is located a mile off of Point Wells in Puget Sound.

The outfall consists of twin mile-long, 5-foot-diameter pipes with a diffuser at the end where highly treated wastewater will be discharged into Puget Sound.

During the Brightwater siting process, the county worked with the University of Washington to study the marine biology and geology of Puget Sound to evaluate potential locations for the outfall. The study significantly advanced the scientific understanding of Puget Sound, and provided additional insight as to how people use the water and shoreline for sustenance, commerce and recreation.

The Point Wells site was selected in 2003 after studies and environmental review showed that it was an excellent location for protecting water quality. Outfall construction began in spring 2008 and was completed later the same year.