Reclaimed water & biosolids demonstration garden

King County is dedicated to supporting local research on wastewater resources that can benefit the natural resources in our region. We are proud to introduce you to the research and demonstration garden at South Treatment Plant.

Background

King County has been producing Class A reclaimed water since 1997 and exceptional quality biosolids compost since 1981. At our treatment plants, we are constantly recycling important resources that enhance our ability to conserve fresh water, save energy, reduce runoff pollution, and decrease effluent into our water bodies.

University of Washington researchers have worked with us for over three decades to test the application of these resources. The reclaimed water and biosolids garden at South Treatment Plant began in 2009, offering an opportunity to continue greenhouse research that began in 2008. In September of 2009, a luncheon was held where the results of the research were shared with potential customers and interested parties while they sampled food grown in the garden. The garden also won the Northwest Biosolids Management Association's 'Pride of Product' [external link] award for 2009.

Current use of the garden

Following the luncheon there were still a lot of crops to harvest and the beds needed to be cleaned out and replanted for winter. There is an opportunity to have school and community groups help in the garden while learning about harvesting, composting, planning, and planting. The garden will be used for school and community groups until April 2010 when all opportunities, such as further research or continuing on as education and demonstration, will be re-evaluated. To get involved please email, Jo Sullivan for community groups and Casey Plank for school tours.