A Raleigh Water Hidden Oasis

Have you heard about the Raleigh Water secret oasis? It’s tucked inside the Raleigh Water Neuse River Resource Recovery Facility. Sounds like a funny place to kick back and relax, right? I mean, they treat wastewater there... but it’s also home to a tiny pond with a big lesson. That’s just one of the garden’s many wonderful features.

Check it out!

This is the Neuse River Resource Recovery Facility’s recycled water pond. The water feature is home to over a dozen fish, occasionally a turtle or two, and a few friendly green frogs. As you can see, the plaque states that the pond is filled with recycled water, sometimes referred to as reuse water, reclaimed water, or non-potable water. This is highly treated wastewater that is reused instead of being discharged into a waterway.

This beautiful space is an outstanding example of how clean Raleigh Water is—just ask the thriving fish in the pond. The water’s clarity speaks to its life-sustaining quality (humble brag). These fish have been thriving in their new home for over a year now. Don’t just take our “science-y” words for it… here’s a peek at the residents...

While taking a moment to look around the courtyard, Raleigh Water employee Chris Ray put it best: “The pond is doing the same job as the wastewater plant—removing organic materials (like waste) from the fish.” 

The pond also shows how bringing back native plants can attract helpful insects and support the entire outdoor ecosystem.

There are several adult fish and, more recently, approximately five baby koi fish. They’re shy and very fast, so we’re still working on the exact count.

The concept for this space was first thought up after the height of the pandemic, when workers were returning to the office. The pond became the perfect spot for a quick outdoor break. Not only do the fish bring peace, but this area also serves as a bird bath, a frog hotel, and a spot for newly planted flowers (brought in by several of the workers at NRRRF—thanks, they look fabulous!).

We’ve met the residents of the pond… but we don’t want to leave out the frogs!

That’s the frog hotel! The simple pipe design allows frogs to stay safe, warm, and shaded from the constant sun. Although, when I visited the other day, there was only one frog chilling at the hotel, there are usually many more enjoying the space.

Like many of Raleigh Water’s initiatives, there’s a team working hard behind the scenes to keep everything running—and this space is no different. A special thanks to the folks who’ve helped bring it to life! We can’t forget to shout out Raleigh Water employee Kathleen Jordan, who’s been up to her elbows in algae, keeping the pond beautiful and always dreaming up the next wonderful addition to the oasis. 

Heading back into the office, she said, “It’s been a really awesome group effort!” With a bright smile, she added, “We have people who brought in different bulbs to plant and made additions to the pond. It’s a community garden that everyone had a hand in creating.”

And, as the plaque’s quotes, we’ll leave you with this saying from Aristotle: “Boundaries don’t protect rivers, people do.”