CREATIVE WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT IN SILVERTON, OREGON

Silverton faced several challenges, developing mitigation wetlands, decreasing summer discharge of treated wastewater to a water-quality limited stream and providing a reliable source of water to irrigate a 16 million, 220-acre botanical garden.Through creative wastewater management, the City successfully met its challenges - satisfying community environmental values and providing economical service to ratepayers. The City uses treated wastewater to create wetlands within the Garden and for irrigation. The wetlands application is the first in Oregon and breaks regulatory ground. Previously prohibited, the state has recognized the benefit of using treated wastewater to create wetlands. The wetlands consist of several cells to promote habitat variety and are integrated into the Garden.Irrigation of the Oregon Garden with reclaimed water creates a high profile opportunity for public education about water conservation and reuse. The project provides a fascinating example of multiple benefits through creative wastewater management.