John T. Hickerson Water Reclamation Facility

The John T. Hickerson Water Reclamation Facility can treat approximately 17.5 million gallons per day (MGD) of wastewater from residential and industrial sources in the west and northwest parts of the city. The plant is an extended aeration activated sludge treatment plant that uses both electric and gas powered air blowers in the treatment process to take advantage of the continually fluctuating market values for natural gas and electricity. Other innovative treatment technologies include the use of Ultraviolet Radiation as a means of disinfection of treated effluent, caustic air scrubbers as a means of controlling odors, and the use of the treated effluent in the Northwest Wastewater Reclamation Facilities Project. In 2008 the plant won the 1st Place National USEPA Operations and Maintenance Excellence Award for Large Advanced Plant. Since 1988 the plant has received a total of 5 National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) Peak Performance Platinum Awards, 11 NACWA Gold Awards, and 6 NACWA Silver Awards. In 1992, the plant and its personnel were recognized for their commitment to safety by being awarded the Water Environment Federation's George W. Burke Award for Safety.