Tumwater committee endorses participation in LOTT’s reclaimed water demonstration project 

The Tumwater Public Works Committee endorsed an interlocal agreement with LOTT Clean Water Alliance to support the agency's Class A+ reclaimed water demonstration project. 

With the committee’s endorsement on Thursday, Oct. 23, the agreement will be forwarded to the Tumwater City Council for approval as part of its Nov. 3 consent agenda. 

The project involves studying additional treatments at the Budd Inlet Treatment Plant to safely recycle used water into drinkable water.

LOTT aims to produce Class A+ reclaimed water, the highest quality of recycled water as rated by the state ecology and health departments. The project is the first of its kind in the state, according to LOTT. 

Tumwater Water Resources Department Director Dan Smith said the city is partnering with LOTT for the project as the city, along with surrounding communities, are challenged by finite water supplies. 

He mentioned a 2024 study identified reclaimed water as one of the top two options for expanding water supply, with the other option being water conservation programs. 

Under the project, LOTT would develop and test two treatment systems, one using reverse osmosis and the other employing carbon filtration.  

Smith said once regulators deem the product ready, LOTT would engage with local businesses so they could use the water for manufacturing beer and other products. 

The project includes public outreach and sampling events to introduce the water to the community. LOTT will lead the project; the city is helping by contributing $30,000 per year for two years. 

Olympia has already agreed to join the project and will contribute $50,000.  Smith said LOTT will carry the majority of the costs, which is expected to total more than $2 million.