Convergent Water Technologies’ FocalPoint wins Washington Ecology approval

Convergent Water Technologies said its FocalPoint modular biofiltration system has earned a Washington State Department of Ecology General Use Level Designation for Basic Treatment through the TAPE program. The approval expands the system’s regulatory pathway in Washington and could help accelerate adoption in other states that recognize TAPE credentials.

Why it matters: - Washington Ecology approval gives FocalPoint a clearer path to use on projects that need Basic Treatment stormwater compliance. - The designation may make the system easier for engineers, municipalities and developers to specify on constrained sites. - The approval could also support market entry in other states where TAPE credentials factor into local review.

What happened: - Convergent Water Technologies said FocalPoint® High-Performance Modular Biofiltration System received a General Use Level Designation for Basic Treatment from the Washington State Department of Ecology. - The approval came through Ecology’s Technology Assessment Protocol – Ecology, or TAPE, program. - The designation sets an approved hydraulic loading rate of 1.6 gallons per minute per square foot of media surface area. - The company said the approval was announced on Sept. 28, 2026.

The details: - The field evaluation tracked 19 storm events in the Pacific Northwest. - Fifteen qualifying events met TAPE influent-range requirements for the final performance evaluation. - Ecology’s TAPE program reviews emerging stormwater treatment technologies through field testing and formal regulatory review. - A General Use Level Designation means full approval for use under the applicable treatment designation, subject to Ecology conditions and local jurisdiction requirements. - FocalPoint is designed as a compact, modular biofiltration system for stormwater treatment. - The system uses engineered media, modular underdrain components and integrated pretreatment options. - Convergent said the system can reduce the treatment footprint versus traditional bioretention. - The company said the smaller footprint can preserve more developable site area and reduce excavation, underdrain, bridging stone and media requirements. - The modular, boxless configuration can be adapted to irregular footprints and constrained urban, redevelopment and retrofit sites. - Integrated pretreatment can help protect the treatment media, reduce maintenance demands and extend system service life. - Convergent provides technical support for system sizing, layout, pretreatment, specifications and project integration. - Convergent said the approval follows prior testing and regulatory review by other U.S. bodies.

Between the lines: - The approval strengthens FocalPoint’s position in markets where stormwater products need formal third-party validation before they can be widely used. - The system’s main selling points remain the same: smaller footprint, flexibility on tight sites and easier maintenance. - Convergent is also signaling that Washington approval could help on projects outside the state, especially where TAPE is used as a reference point rather than a strict requirement. - The company said it is evaluating opportunities in Oregon, California and Colorado, where TAPE credentials may support technology acceptance or local regulatory review. - Specific approval requirements still vary by jurisdiction.

What's next: - Convergent said it will add technical resources, design guidance and project-specific support for engineers and stormwater professionals. - The company is expected to use the designation to support sales and specification efforts in Washington and other TAPE-aware markets. - Further state-by-state review will still determine where FocalPoint can be deployed and how quickly it can move through permitting.

The bottom line: - Washington Ecology approval gives FocalPoint a stronger regulatory foothold and could widen its reach in stormwater markets that reward proven, compact treatment systems.

More information Official Washington State Department of Ecology designation