D.C. Water's "Bloom" Fertilizer: Green Gardens, Green Cash

D.C. Water is successfully converting human wastewater into a high-quality biosolid fertilizer branded as Bloom. This initiative significantly reduces the utility's environmental impact, cutting carbon emissions by approximately 50,000 metric tons annually. The process, which utilizes technology from Cambi, also generates biogas that can be used for electricity generation.

Bloom fertilizer has become a commercial success, with nearly 400,000 tons sold across several states, generating $13.6 million in revenue. D.C. Water's investment in this 'humanure' conversion is on track to be recouped in 12 years, far ahead of initial projections. This dual success in environmental improvement and profitability positions D.C. Water as a model for other wastewater treatment facilities.