Water & Waste

Water and waste emissions come from the collection and treatment of our drinking water, sewage, and solid waste. See the regional water and waste strategies and actions.

waste

  1. Emissions
  2. Wastewater Treatment
  3. Solid Waste per Capita

Outlook

  Not on track

From 2015 to 2021, water and waste emissions increased 26%. The increase is partly driven by the growing amount of solid waste produced by the community – solid waste per capita increased almost 20% since 2015. Emissions from wastewater treatment including septic systems increased 4% from 2015-2021. The majority of wastewater emissions come from fugitive emissions from on-site septic systems.

Data Tables

Community Resources

Strategies and Actions

Increase efficiency of water and wastewater infrastructure. Moving and treating water is typically one of the largest energy draws in buildings. Understanding where better efficiency is possible in municipal water and sewage treatment systems, and then making those improvements are actions that support this strategy. 

Reduce landfill waste and consumption of carbon-intensive goods and services. When we turn on our faucets, buy goods that are manufactured across the globe, or take out the trash we are contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. Decreasing our carbon footprint requires us be more conscious about the negative impacts of our daily activities. Actions to support these strategies include providing education and technical assistance on how to reduce waste. 

See the full list of the water and waste strategies and actions. 

Contact Us

  1. Allison Osterberg
    Senior Planner
    osterberga@trpc.org

    Thurston Regional Planning Council
    2411 Chandler Court SW
    Olympia, WA 98502
    Ph: 360-956-7575