LOTT proposes Class A+ reclaimed water demonstration pilot; State Board hears briefing

LOTT Clean Water Alliance presented a briefing to the State Board of Health's Environmental Health Committee Feb. 12 on a proposed Class A+ reclaimed water demonstration pilot that LOTT hopes could launch this fall. Stephen Taylor, representing LOTT, described two treatment approaches currently being tested and said the pilot aims to demonstrate a model that other jurisdictions could replicate.

Board Chair Patty Hayes and Board members asked about statewide implications and potential costs to counties. Mike Means, Department of Health staff, said the Department has received inquiries from Eastern Washington about both municipal and industrial reuse and that agencies are looking to California as a regulatory model, though Washington's regulatory pathway is not yet settled.

Stephen Taylor emphasized the program goal of testing the broader feasibility and precedent-setting potential of reuse projects, and noted that reusing wastewater can be more cost-effective than sourcing new water supplies in some contexts. Jesse Barham (LOTT) said disposal of any excess product would depend on local conditions. Member Paj Nandi asked whether minerals removed during purification would be reintroduced; Taylor said minerals are commonly added back and that LOTT is considering mineral re-addition for long-term use.

Chair Hayes and Member Peter Browning requested a site tour to better understand treatment processes and operations; Shay Bauman, Board staff, offered to coordinate the visit. Browning observed that the Department would likely serve as the regulatory approver rather than the Board.

No formal action or vote was taken. Staff and LOTT will continue coordination on the demonstration timeline, community engagement plans and any regulatory steps needed before a pilot launch.