Title
LOTT Groundwater Recharge Scientific Study Update
Recommended Action
UAC Deliverable:
Informational Briefing
Report
Issue:
Ben McConkey, Project Manager for LOTT's Reclaimed Water Infiltration Study, will provide a presentation on the origin and drivers for the study, the public involvement work, the scientific aspects of the study, and the current status of detailed scope development. Note the study name was recently changed from Groundwater Recharge Scientific Study to Reclaimed Water Infiltration Study.
Staff Contact:
Donna Buxton, Senior Program Specialist, Public Works/Water Resources, 360.753.8793
Presenter(s):
Ben McConkey, Project Manager for LOTT's Reclaimed Water Infiltration Study
Background and Analysis:
The LOTT Clean Water Alliance is a public utility responsible for providing wastewater treatment for Lacey, Olympia, and Tumwater in north Thurston County. LOTT's long-range management plan relies on reclaimed water to meet our communities' growing demand for wastewater treatment. Reclaimed water can be used for various non-potable water uses (e.g. irrigation) and/or infiltrated to groundwater.
Compounds, such as those from soaps, household cleaners, medicines, and cosmetics, have been detected at low levels in wastewater and reclaimed water. Although there are no documented human health impacts from using or infiltrating reclaimed water, the presence of these compounds has given rise to questions regarding the safety of infiltrating reclaimed water to groundwater. Nationally, research in this area is in its early stages. There are few clear answers about the relative risk of these compounds or their fate in the environment.
LOTT is undertaking a multi-year study to improve the scientific understanding of how reclaimed water interacts with local groundwater, where these compounds exist in the environment, and what happens to them over time. Results of the study, combined with extensive community dialogue, will help determine if adjustments to LOTT's long-range management plan are needed.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
The LOTT Reclaimed Water Infiltration Study includes an extensive public involvement component. A Community Advisory Group has been formed and telephone surveys and interviews have been conducted. Public input has contributed directly to the framework of the study through the asking of questions about reclaimed water generation, use, and safety.
Options:
Not applicable at this time.
Financial Impact:
No City funds are being expended on this LOTT project.