Crossposted from Clean Water Stories

The Intermediate Pump Station pumps that push wastewater through West Point Treatment Plant are massive and old. This three-pump trio is from the era of crimped hair and flannel shirts and Pearl Jam on a cassette tape. In constant service since 1993, they are now among the last of their kind on the West Coast. 

Even as pump designs (and hairstyles) have moved on, King County Wastewater Treatment Division (WTD) is making these reliable ones last another 20 years. Last summer, the first pump came out of its underground housing at West Point for a tune up for the first time since installation. This summer, the two remaining pumps were removed, lifted by crane, and transported to local refurbishment vendors Beckwith & Kuffle (B&K) and Delta Electric Motors in Seattle. The work was supported by some of the original suppliers and installers from 30 years ago. Read more.