Deep Listening to the System

In our daily lives, we engage in numerous activities related to water and wastewater without much thought. We wash, flush, and watch as rainwater disappears underground. But how often do we pause to acknowledge the dedicated workers and the engineering alchemy behind the systems that keep our communities and environment healthy? Susan Robb's Deep Listening to the System aims to shed light on King County's Wastewater Treatment Division (WTD) and the remarkable individuals, whom she calls "The Magicians," working tirelessly to manage our wastewater under all conditions.

From handling extreme weather challenges and unexpected objects in sewers to tracking the prevalence of disease and responding to synchronized flushing events (i.e., halftime during the Super Bowl), these vital personnel maintain the system around the clock, every day of the year. Using their senses, hearing in particular, they develop an intimate connection with the complex infrastructure. This relationship is a blend of science and poetics, a unique combination of feeling and knowing.

To realize Deep Listening to the System, Robb invites the public to peek behind the curtain and experience the wonderous world of wastewater treatment firsthand with a special tour of the Brightwater Treatment Plant—and that’s just the beginning. After the tour, participants will be offered a sound bath by Scott Francis, co-owner of Mind Body Hum—a carefully crafted symphonic journey designed to resonate with the frequency of gratitude and elevate sensory awareness. This multi-layered auditory dive, enriched with aquatic and other environmental samples, will become a conduit for relaxation, introspection, and rejuvenation.

Following the sound bath, a hosted reception will create space for sharing newfound insights, and for those who crave more exploration, a self-guided stroll along the three miles of walking trails that wind through Brightwater's native plant landscapes, restored wetlands, and mature forested areas awaits.



Deep Listening to the System responds to “The Magicians” theme devised by Sans façon in their art plan for WTD’s Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) system.

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Robb’s art practice is an ongoing exploration of our emotional connection to place and each other. Her work takes the form of social engagement, photo media, sculpture, and site-specific installation as a means of cultivating a deeper understanding of our world. She has exhibited her work at museums and galleries nationally and internationally, and her other 4Culture commissions include The Long Walk, The Trails Project, and Luxury Waste.