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This survey is about the accessibility of our products, programs, services, and spaces. Please complete the survey by September 30, 2026: here. WTD will use the information shared with us to help identify and prioritize steps to make our system more accessible for all people.
Brightwater Treatment Plant
Find information and facts about Brightwater Treatment Plant located near Woodinville, including the treatment process, capital and improvement projects, and visiting the facility and grounds.
Updates
Fall 2026
At Brightwater, we are continuing to invest in projects, engage with communities, and educate people of all ages about our wastewater system. Read our recent Brightwater email to learn more! Subscribe to our Brightwater email updates to stay informed.
Behind the scenes on the Brightwater membrane project
Big improvements are taking shape at Brightwater! We’re installing more efficient membrane filters that take up less space. Replacing the old filters will help us treat more wastewater as our region grows. These new filters are more efficient and advanced, which helps save maintenance time and money. Look behind the scenes with one of Brightwater's operators!
Watch the video about the Brightwater membrane project.
See how Brightwater cleans water
Brightwater’s people and equipment work around the clock. Learn about the people and systems who treat wastewater in your community. Discover how Brightwater helps protect public health and the environment in this video. Tour the plant, walk the trails, or visit the Education Center to find out more! This video includes options to turn on captions in English, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, and Vietnamese. It is also available with American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation.
Watch the Brightwater video with ASL
Visiting Brightwater
When you're at Brightwater, always keep your dog on a leash and pick up their poo. This makes sure everyone, including other people, pets, and wildlife, can safely enjoy this space too! The Brightwater trails area serves people of all ages and abilities, and wildlife. Thousands of children and adults enjoy these spaces all year long. We rely on you, our human visitors, to help everyone feel welcome and safe in these spaces.
Sign up for Brightwater emails to stay up to date!
Visit Brightwater’s Public Engagement web page to read past emails, newsletters, and blog stories about Brightwater.
Located near Woodinville, Brightwater Treatment Plant (Brightwater) began operating in 2011. Brightwater is part of King County’s regional wastewater treatment system. In addition to treating wastewater, Brightwater features an education and event center, natural areas and trails, and public art.
Brightwater serves around 300,000 people and businesses in north King and south Snohomish counties. On an average day, Brightwater treats around 20 million gallons of wastewater (mgd) per day.The plant can treat over 45 million gallons a day.
Brightwater operates all day, every day to protect public health and the environment. The facility is nationally recognized for its award-winning design and its consistent compliance with state and federal discharge limits.
Controlling odors at Brightwater helps the plant be a good neighbor. Brightwater uses an enclosed odor control system. The plant’s odor control cleans, absorbs, and purifies stinky air. Staff also regularly monitor odor and air quality around Brightwater. Since starting operations in 2011, Brightwater has met permit requirements to have no detectable odors beyond the fence.
Learn more
- See how Brightwater’s Treatment System works.
- Get facts about Brightwater's operations.
- Learn how Brightwater contributes to a sustainable future for the surrounding community and environment.
- Explore educational opportunities, trails, and natural areas.