Wastewater Source Control Program

Wastewater Source Control Program 

The City's Wastewater Source Control Program ensures wastewater sent to the City’s wastewater collection system can be adequately treated and is in compliance with State and Federal permits. 

This program is outlined in the Sewer Use Ordinance, Chapter 13.48 of the Sequim Municipal Code which restricts discharges from commercial and industrial facilities that differ in composition or have higher concentrations of pollutants than domestic (household) wastewater. The ordinance also includes restrictions on the amount of fats, oils, and greases (FOG) allowed to be discharged by restaurants and other food service establishments. All commercial and industrial dischargers to the Sequim wastewater system inside and outside the City limits are subject to these restrictions.

Wastewater collected by the City's system is treated to Class A standards. The treated water is "reclaimed" for beneficial uses including filling the Reuse Demonstration Site Pond that is used for fishing and remote-control sailing, and irrigation of City fields and landscapes. A portion of the treated water is discharged into the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The remaining biosolids, also treated to Class A standards, are reused on hay fields.

The collection, treatment, and reuse of wastewater in the City is regulated by the City’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) and Reclaimed Water Permits, issued by the Washington State Department of Ecology, consistent with federal and state regulations. Because the City's treated water (Reclaimed Water) is reused, the City is making sure that toxic pollutants and other deleterious substances are minimized in the reclaimed water.

Please contact John Christenson, Utilities Manager at 683-5062 or email for questions about the Wastewater Source Control Program.