The Airway Heights City Council adopted its reclaimed water plan at the June 16 meeting. The Department of Ecology approved the plan before it was brought to the council.
Public Works director Kelly Williquette explained that the city developed the reclaimed water plan to evaluate the use of reclaimed water in the city and to outline a capital improvement plan for recommended improvements.
The source for the reclaimed water is the city’s Water Reclamation Plant, between South Russell and Lawson Street. Williquette said the facility treats around 600,000 gallons of wastewater a day. The facility can process up to 1 million gallons of wastewater per day.
According to the plan, the wastewater facility was built to provide a supply of high-quality reclaimed water and reduce the demand on the city’s potable water system.
The water from the plant is treated to the Washington’s requirements for Class A reclaimed water standards with additional treatment for nitrogen removal. The city uses 100,000 gallons of reclaimed water for irrigation purposes for residential areas and at Sunset Park, Shorty Combs Park, Cleveland Park, and Traditions Park. These parks account for approximately 17 acres of open land within the city.
Sunset Elementary, the Department of Corrections, ORV Park, Shamrock Paving, Northern Quest Casino, AutoZone, West Plains Business Park may also use reclaimed water for irrigation.
Water not used for irrigation is percolated back into the aquifer.
Some of the proposed future demands for reclaimed water include the proposed Spokane Tribe Economic Project located off Highway 2 and Craig Road.
Other beneficial treatments for reclaimed water include:
● Decorative fountains.
● Fire protection through hydrants or sprinkler systems.
● All industrial process and cooling.
● Gravel and aggregate product.
● Construction site dust control.
● Wetlands, restriction, recreational and educational use.
● Stream flow augmentation.
According to the plan, future capital improvements for reclaimed water distribution are based on increased reclaimed treatment plant capacity, additional reclaimed water storage, groundwater recharge, distribution system for irrigation and industrial use and additional pumps to meet future demand.
The plan also accounts for growth, potential customers and expansion not only from the city, but also developments from Spokane and Kalispel tribes.
Al Stover can be reached at al@cheneyfreepress.com.
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