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Vision for Clean Water
Planning for and building the system needed to clean the wastewater generated by our region is technical and complex. Every day we face challenges managing population growth, keeping our system in good repair, and meeting existing and new regulations.
Now we have the opportunity to look ahead and create the clean water system we want future generations to inherit. Imagining what might be possible is something we can all do. Join us in creating a shared Vision for Clean Water (Vision).
Shape the future of clean water in King County
Keeping the water in our rivers, lakes, and Puget Sound clean is key to building a healthy future for our region. King County wants to hear what matters most to you and the future you envision as we update our wastewater system. Your ideas and experiences can help shape how our wastewater system protects our water for generations to come.
Share your ideas
- Visit our online open house to learn more and provide your input here (available until June 23): PublicInput.com/VisionforCleanWater.
- Provide input in person by visiting us at fairs and festivals. Come tell us what you think. Find a full list of opportunities below.
After a period of community outreach, King County will include your feedback to guide future planning efforts. A Vision for Clean Water will be announced by King County this fall and will be incorporated into the planning process for the Regional Wastewater Services Plan (RWSP) to guide investment decisions.
At WTD, success means clean water. It means honoring our legacy while keeping a promise to another generation that our beautiful environment will be there for them to enjoy.
A Vision for protecting water quality
Whenever you send water down the drain, King County’s wastewater system collects and cleans the water. This process helps protect public health and the environment, serving over 2 million people in the service area..
The Regional Wastewater Services Plan (RWSP) is our long-term roadmap for operating and investing in the wastewater system over the coming decades. We are updating this plan to ensure it addresses future challenges and guides sustainable investments.
The RWSP must be updated regularly to prepare for challenges from climate change, aging pipes, and population growth. The Vision for Clean Water will serve as a guiding light for where we want our regional wastewater system to be by the year 2100.
Everyone can be part of imagining the future of clean water in King County
King County is planning for the future based on the needs and priorities of the people who live here. A key part of this process is hearing from communities about what they care about so that the Vision for Clean Water (Vision) broadly reflects our region’s values and goals. Our region has big, significant choices to make about how to invest in our regional wastewater system and the Vision will guide these decisions.
Schedule
- Fall 2024 - Winter 2025
King County develops potential Vision for Clean Water options. - Spring 2025
Seek public input on Vision for Clean Water Options. - Summer - Fall 2025
Finalize and announce the Vision for Clean Water.
Events
Cinco de Mayo Celebration
Saturday, May 3, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
1660 S Roberto Maestas Festival St, Seattle, WA 98144
White Center Pride Festival
Saturday, June 7, 12–8 p.m.
16th Avenue SW (between SW Roxbury Street and SW 100th Street), White Center, WA
Kenmore Farmers Market
Wednesday, June 11, 3–7 p.m.
NE 181st Street (next to The Hangar), Kenmore, WA
Public involvement library
Challenges and Opportunities Informing the Vision for Clean Water, April 2025
This document describes 11 key issues affecting our wastewater system and what we are doing to address them now and in the coming decades. These are drivers which will inform the development of the Vision. By addressing these challenges and embracing these opportunities, we can ensure our wastewater system can meet the needs of the region equitably and well into the future.
Vision for Clean Water Options handout, April 2025
This document describes the core commitments that support the final vision statement, and the vision options that present different paths King County could take to achieve our core commitments.
RWSP Update Charter, January 2025
This Charter is similar to a Memorandum of Understanding, and is an agreement representing the shared goals, roles and responsibilities, and agreed-upon process for the Regional Wastewater Services Plan update. It describes the intent of the parties, but does not create any legally binding obligations.
Scoping Document for Updating the Regional Wastewater Services Plan, January 2025
This scoping document describes the overall approach that will be used, and some of the major policy issues that will be analyzed, to update King County’s Regional Wastewater Services Plan (RWSP). The document was produced to solicit input and feedback on the scope of the RWSP Update from members of the Regional Water Quality Committee (RWQC) and the Metropolitan Water Pollution Abatement Advisory Committee (MWPAAC).
Action: Characterizing Water Quality Investment Options, May 2021
This document presents the conceptual technical details of the Actions developed during the planning process for the Clean Water Plan. The Actions are organized by specific areas, known as “Decision Areas,” which represent existing and emerging issues and community priorities that the County needs to consider to make choices and plan for the future. The Actions are characterized and presented here to serve as the basis for regional discussions on the upcoming investment choices and opportunities King County is facing for the regional wastewater system and water quality.
Existing Conditions Report, April 2020
This Existing Conditions Report presents an overview of current (or existing) conditions in King County and the Puget Sound region. It is designed to provide a snapshot of regional characteristics, water quality, and clean water services to inform the actions and investment decisions that will ultimately be made under the Plan. After the Plan is developed, it will serve as a lasting resource and formal record of conditions that form the foundation of the Plan.