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WaterSmart Compost
A Beneficial Reuse of Biosolids:
This rich compost made with biosolids is an excellent soil amendment for landscaping and gardens. Biosolids are a nutrient-rich, organic* byproduct of the wastewater treatment process that
Our WaterSmart Compost, made with biosolids and green waste is an excellent amendment for landscaping and gardening, closing the recycling loop locally and sustainably.
Using WaterSmart Compost as a Soil Amendment:
WaterSmart Compost is a beneficial, sustainable resource that can be used to improve soil quality and as a fertilizer replacement for crops. Most of the nitrogen in biosolids is organic*, acting as a slow-release fertilizer providing nitrogen when the plants need it, rather than all at once. It can reduce the use of expensive (often petroleum based) commercial fertilizers, and that means less environmental impact from fertilizer run-off into waterways.
*Organic material is derived from a living organism. Biosolids are not certified organic under the USDA’s National Organic Standards.
Benefits of WaterSmart Compost:
• Retains Moisture
• Provides Nutrients
• Improves Soil Quality
• Increases Organic* Matter
WaterSmart Compost Application:
Planting Beds
1-2” thick layer, then incorporate the compost to a depth of 6-8 inches until the compost is uniformly mixed. Plant seeds and water.
Top Dressing for Lawns
¼" thick layer. Apply after aerating or re-seeding, then water.
Annuals and Perennials
1 - 2" thick layer.
Trees and Shrubs
1-3" thick layer. Be sure to keep mulch at least 3-6" from the trunks.
Composting
Apply to your compost pile with a 1-3” thick layer to accelerate the composting process.
As with all composts, wash hands after handling.
Health and Safety
To fully ensure public and environmental health, all aspects of biosolids use are carefully planned and implemented according to comprehensive federal, state, and local regulations. The federal biosolids rule is contained in the US Environmental Protection Agency’s 4O CFR Part 5O3.
Santa Rosa Water takes great pride in providing the highest quality, completely sustainable, biosolids compost to its community and surrounding areas. The City’s Biosolids Management System Program is certified as a Platinum Level National Biosolids Partnership Agency. Santa Rosa is one of 28 cities in the U.S., and one of five in California with this certification.