The Georgetown Wet Weather Treatment Station (GWWTS) will work to improve the ecological health of Puget Sound. During heavy rainfall, combined sewer overflows (CSO) periodically discharge a mixture of sewage and rainwater into water bodies to protect the wastewater treatment system. When complete, the Georgetown Wet Weather Treatment Station will reduce untreated sewage and stormwater currently entering the Lower Duwamish River by 95 percent.

Designing an industrial stormwater facility in one of Seattle’s most active arts and industrial neighborhoods required an urban design approach that took on the regional stormwater needs and created the opportunity for the public to see the process. On the rainiest, coldest days in Seattle, the facility will be luminous and working toward the health of the Duwamish River and Puget Sound. For example, when it’s raining outside, no rain will fall in the monument. When the rainy weather stops, the monument will begin to rain internally at an intensity and quality that reflects the rain event that just passed. 

The Treatment Station earned the coveted “Platinum” rating through the Envision rating system led by the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure. This is the first Platinum-awarded Envision project in Washington and recognizes the County’s commitment to sustainable communities and the environment.