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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.

An illustrated graphic of a sailboat navigating open seas, symbolizing King County. The sailboat’s path represents the Regional Wastewater Services Plan Update. On the distant horizon, land appears, symbolizing the Vision for Clean Water in 2100. The scene emphasizes a journey toward a sustainable, clean water future.
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.

The Vision for Clean Water Timeline spans from Fall 2024 to Fall 2025.

Events

Stay tuned! As we schedule community events they will be posted here.

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.

Vision for Clean Water Overview factsheet, April 2025

This document describes the process King County is taking to develop our vision and how you can be involved.

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