Show All Answers

1. Are the storm drain and sewer drain the same thing?

No. Stormwater is conveyed directly to creeks and Puget Sound without treatment. Sanitary sewer is collected and treated at the City of Anacortes Wastewater treatment plant and then discharged into Puget Sound.

2. Can I dump biodegradable products into the storm drain?

No. The Storm drain empties into the Puget Sound, biodegradable product could cause harm to the aquatic life.

3. Can I flush cleaning rags like Clorox and Pledge down the toilet?

Only if the cleaning product states that they are flush-able, then yes you can. Most products do not state that they are flush-able so if you flush them down the toilet they will get caught up at the pump station and plug the system. They could also plug up your toilet. So look for the word “flush-able” on the product.

4. If I have a plugged sewer can the City help me?

Yes, we can check the City-owned sewer main and help locate the problem before you call a plumber.

5. Does the wastewater treatment plant smell bad?

The plant has a sophisticated odor control system. In 2010 the City completed a 1 million dollar upgrade to our Odor Control system at the Wastewater Treatment plant. The system prevents odors from escaping from the treatment plant site. The City considers the control of odors at the wastewater treatment plant to be one of the highest operating priorities. Wastewater Plant operators also work hard at preventing odors from the sewer collection and pumping systems. These systems may produce odors that are in areas not close to the treatment plant. If you smell odors from the plant or the sewer collection system it is important to notify the plant operating staff immediately. During working hours a plant operator will respond right away, please call the plant immediately at 360-299-0953.

6. What is the capacity of the Wastewater Treatment Plant?

The capacity of the treatment plant is established by the Dept. of Ecology. The current rated capacity of the plant is 4.5 million gallons of wastewater per day. During 2011 the average daily flow at the plant was 1.92 million gallons per day.

7. When will the wastewater treatment plant need to be upgraded?

The plant has lots of excess treatment capacity. There are no plans to  expand the treatment plant capacity for the foreseeable future.

8. Where can I dump my travel trailer waste?

You can stop at our Waste Water Treatment Plant facility at:

500 T Avenue

Anacortes, WA 98221

You can also call 360-299-0953 for more information, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., 7 days a week except holidays open 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

9. Where does the water go after it is treated at the wastewater plant?

Treated water from the wastewater treatment plant is piped out into the Guemes Channel. The end of the pipe is located just to the west of the Port of Anacortes Pier 2.

10. Where do the solids from the wastewater plant go?

The solids are dewatered and incinerated in a fluidized bed sewer sludge incinerator.  The incinerator process is a thermal reduction process, converting the dewatered sludge to inert ash and water vapor.  The ash is then disposed of at an approved site.

11. Where is the fresh water spigot located at the Wastewater Treatment Plant

The fresh water spigot is located on T Avenue just north of the main entry into the administrative building,  500 T Avenue.

12. Why is our sewer bill connected to our water use?

Your sewer bill is calculated based on the average water use during the months of November, December, January, and February since it is impractical to install a meter on your sewer line. You can lower your sewer bill by conserving water during these months! For more information, please call the Wastewater plant at 360-299-0953.

13. Why is the RV dump station not open 24 hours per day?

It is closed after hours to prevent the disposal of hazardous waste into the sewer. For more information, please call the Wastewater plant at 360-299-0953.

14. Does the wastewater treatment plant accept septic tank waste?

The plant accepts septic waste in addition to treating the wastewater flow from Anacortes. The septage facility is a fee-based system per the Unified Fee Schedule. Septage haulers are encouraged to contact the plant administration building at 500 T Avenue to set up a waste hauler account. For more information, please call the Wastewater plant at 360-299-0953.