Verified Sustainability Achievements

Enhances Public Health & Safety — The Bull Run Filtration Facility will ensure a safe, reliable water supply for residents throughout the region served by PWB. The new filtration system protects public health by mitigating waterborne diseases associated with microorganisms in drinking water, which disproportionately affect those with weakened immune systems, inadequate health care, and generally lower income. Additionally, the project team incorporated a higher seismic importance factor into the facility’s design to enhance its structural resilience, prioritizing public health and safety well beyond the minimum legal requirements.

Supports Sustainable Communities — This project extends well beyond regulatory compliance; it represents a long-term investment in sustainable community development by addressing critical public health risks, strengthening infrastructure resilience, supporting economic stability, and building workforce capacity. To incorporate sustainability into core-decision making, the project team developed a decision framework model to assess project alternatives using weighted criteria aligned with key sustainability indicators, including future water demand, system capacity, water quality, energy consumption, and emerging water quality regulations. For example, the selected facility location allows for gravity-fed water conveyance from the Bull Run Watershed, improving reliability and significantly reducing energy use compared to pumped systems. Through this deliberate and forward-looking approach, the project advances both statewide and citywide planning objectives, demonstrating how strategic infrastructure investment can translate policy goals into tangible community benefits.

Preserves Water Resources — The Bull Run Filtration Facility strengthens long-term watershed stewardship by treating water sourced from the Bull Run Watershed while maintaining its integrity. The facility incorporates a zero-liquid discharge design philosophy, recycling all process water back into the treatment system and converting it into potable water, thereby minimizing waste and maximizing efficiency. A key benefit of the filtration system is the ability to treat Bull Run water during elevated turbidity events caused by wildfires, landslides, earthquakes, or severe storms. Historically, these conditions required PWB to temporarily rely on groundwater supplies. With filtration in place, the facility can continue using watershed water even when sediment levels rise, improving reliability, reducing groundwater withdrawals, and minimizing service disruptions. Integrated into PWB’s long-term water system planning and watershed management efforts, this project strengthens regional water quality and resilience while keeping all treatment processes within the new facility, avoiding disturbance to the watershed and supporting its long-term protection.

Provides for Stakeholder Involvement — The project team conducted a comprehensive mapping of internal and external stakeholders and implemented a structured engagement strategy to support inclusive, transparent, and ongoing two-way communication throughout project planning and delivery. PWB established the Site Advisory Group to gather continuous community input and introduced a formal decision-making framework to promote inclusion, transparency, and accountability. In collaboration with the community and stakeholders, PWB also developed a Good Neighbor Agreement outlining commitments to surrounding neighbors for the duration of the project. The team further engaged with local First Nations to meaningfully collaborate on community goals. This extensive engagement effort enabled stakeholders to shape key aspects of the facility, addressing community priorities related to architectural character, noise, lighting, traffic, landscape, and overall site design.

Develops Local Skills & Capabilities — PWB dedicates one percent of the project’s construction costs to the “Community Opportunities and Enhancement Program,” which provides technical training, career coaching, and apprenticeships to address local skill gaps. Additionally, a portion of construction contracts are allocated to the “Workforce Training and Hiring Program” to support diverse businesses and increase the participation of Minority, Women, and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (MWDBE) in construction trades. Together, these programs help to address systemic barriers while fostering inclusive economic growth in underserved communities.

Restores and Protects Native Plant Communities — The project team completed a Habitat Impact Analysis to identify opportunities to improve terrestrial habitat quality and address invasive species present on site, and in the forested area beyond the project limits. The removal of the invasive species will reduce competition with native vegetation, restore natural plant communities, and support long-term ecosystem health. This project’s planting strategy prioritizes native, locally adapted species while excluding invasive and noxious plants to promote long-term ecological stability. During operations, PWB will implement its Integrated Vegetation Management Plan, emphasizing best practices to prevent seed transfer, early detection, rapid response, and non-chemical control methods. Together, these measures protect native species, limit future invasive spread, and sustain habitat improvements over time.

Enhances Functional Habitats & Wetlands — The protection of sensitive environmental areas was a guiding principle in the facility’s design. The project team carefully mitigated impacts to Johnson Creek, a riparian corridor and surface water body along the southwest corner of the site, as well as an upland forest located in the northeast portion of the property. By siting the facility outside of these areas, this project preserves essential ecosystem functions, including hydrologic connectivity, aquatic habitat support, sediment transport, and water quality within Johnson Creek. To further strengthen ecological performance, native vegetation will be introduced to enhance riparian and woodland habitats, improving cover, shelter, and foraging opportunities for wildlife. Erosion and sediment control measures will maintain existing flow patterns and protect downstream conditions. Beyond preservation efforts, this project also expands habitat value by converting a portion of the previously cultivated agricultural area into forest, creating new habitat for terrestrial species.

Promotes Economic Prosperity and Community Health — The Bull Run Filtration Facility strengthens regional economic resilience by delivering a reliable, high-quality water supply essential to businesses, industries, and residents. Key sectors, including healthcare providers, beverage manufacturers, and advanced technology companies, depend on consistent water quality for operations, and the facility reduces disruptions, lowers maintenance costs, and minimizes the need for supplemental treatment systems. A primary objective of this project is to mitigate the risk of illness from Cryptosporidium, as required by state and federal drinking regulations. During construction, the Project is expected to support more than 4,600 jobs and generate approximately $1.59 billion in regional economic activity, with continued local benefits during long-term operations. Together, these outcomes reinforce public health, regulatory compliance, and sustained economic prosperity.