King County Water Treatment Station Set to Open

The facility is part of a plan to protect the Duwamish River from polluted runoff from overflowing sewer pipes.

1 minute read

November 25, 2022, 7:00 AM PST

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


A water treatment station in South Seattle is opening just in time for the region’s rainy season, when King County’s sewer pipes occasionally overflow and pollute the Duwamish River. Spencer Pauley describes the facility for The Center Square. “The county-owned Georgetown Wet Weather Treatment Station will be able to treat up to 70 million gallons of polluted stormwater per day during severe rainstorms, according to the county.”

King County Executive Dow Constantine said in a statement. "This major capital project builds on progress we have made throughout the Green [and] Duwamish Watershed to better protect water quality and habitat for people, fish and wildlife.”

The facility will include crews that remove larger solid waste from rain water that is then filtered and disinfected before entering the Duwamish River. “To match the environment surrounding the Puget Sound region, the facility is designed with a plant-covered roof, rain gardens, solar panels and cisterns to irrigate the landscaping with captured rainwater.”

Tuesday, November 22, 2022 in The Center Square

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Front of White House with stormy sky above.

How the Trump Presidency Could Impact Urban Planning

An analysis of potential changes in federal housing, transportation, and climate policies.

January 19, 2025 - Planetizen

String lights across an alley in Cranford, New Jersey at night.

Midburbs: A New Definition of Suburbs

When the name “suburb” just doesn't quite fit.

January 17, 2025 - Gabe Bailer - PP - AICP - NJ Urbanthinker

Close-up of person on bike wearing backpack riding on city street.

Research Affirms Safety of ‘Idaho Stop’

Allowing cyclists to treat stop signs as yield signs does not negatively impact safety and can help people on bikes more effectively navigate roadways.

January 14, 2025 - Streetsblog California

The historic San Diego City and County Administration Building in Southern California.

San Diego Housing Assistance, Homelessness Programs Facing Major Cuts

Programs supported by federal and state programs are on the brink of losing funding, putting thousands of homeless and at-risk residents in jeopardy.

6 seconds ago - Governing

Silver oil pipeline running above ground in snowy area near Fairbanks, Alaska.

Trump Attacks Environmental Rules Amid Flurry of Executive Orders

Several executive orders signed on Monday seek to repeal Obama- and Biden-era environmental regulations and roll back goals to encourage the shift to electric vehicles.

1 hour ago - The New York Times

Bird's eye view of high-rise buildings in downtown Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

OKC Releases Draft Vision Zero Plan

The plan identifies a High Injury Network and strategies for improving road safety on Oklahoma City streets.

2 hours ago - Oklahoma City Free Press