Redmond Makes Way for Natural Wastewater Treatment

Redmond is set to transform the way it treats wastewater with a new natural system known as the Redmond Wetlands Complex, intended to meet the needs of its growing population. In constructing this project, the City of Redmond will decommission its existing, mechanical Water Pollution Control Facility to transition to its new system, which will use engineered ponds and wetlands to naturally treat waste. Construction is set to begin in early July 2025, with anticipated completion by Fall 2027.

Wastewater, which is water that has been used and needs to be treated before returning to the environment, includes waste liquids from household fixtures including toilets, baths, showers, kitchens and sinks.

Wastewater treatment uses physical, chemical and biological processes to remove contaminants.

The new wetlands complex will be built at the City’s existing Biosolids Disposal Complex, located at 5801 Northwest Way –– the site the City has used for 45 years to repurpose and discharge all of Redmond’s wastewater and biosolids.

On May 27, the Redmond City Council awarded a $76,960,00 construction contract to Taylor Northwest. The total estimated cost is $88.8 million and will be funded through revenue from System Development Charges, wastewater operations revenue, Deschutes County and a congressional direct spending grant.

In 2018, when the City began exploring ways to expand its wastewater facilities, the Redmond Wetlands Complex was selected as the preferred treatment alternative. The City says the complex would account for decades of future population growth within the region.

According to the City’s website, this natural treatment of wastewater will result in lower operational and maintenance expenses and reduce or remove chemical usage, noise and visual pollution. The wetlands’ treatment and disposal will also provide habitat for a variety of species of plants and wildlife.

According to city reports, its current wastewater treatment facility is reaching capacity, with Redmond’s population tripling since 2000. The site, in addition to its treatment and disposal wetlands and lagoons, will include a main division building and maintenance building.

While the current facility has minimal presence of city staff members – which has resulted in misuse and vandalism at the complex – the new complex will provide a regular presence of on-site personnel to prevent misuse of the area, halt illegal dumping and “beautify the area.”

The City of Prineville operates a similar complex, known as the Crooked River Wetlands Complex. In 2017, the City completed its natural wastewater treatment system, establishing a 120-acre wetlands complex along the Crooked River.

The complex serves as both a wastewater treatment site and an interactive community area, with hiking trails, wildlife watching and educational kiosks. The site also offers two miles of riparian improvements to the Crooked River, benefiting species of fish and wildlife.

This article appears in Source Weekly June 19, 2025.