Convergent Water Technologies Receives GULD Designation for FocalPoint System
News related to:Convergent Water Technologies · 1 min read
Convergent Water Technologies has achieved a significant milestone with the Washington State Department of Ecology granting its FocalPoint® High-Performance Modular Biofiltration System a General Use Level Designation (GULD) for Basic Treatment. This designation, which sets an approved hydraulic loading rate of 1.6 gallons per minute per square foot of media surface area, expands the regulatory acceptance of the FocalPoint system in the Pacific Northwest.
The FocalPoint system has undergone extensive field evaluation in the region, with 19 storm events monitored. Fifteen of these events met the Technical Assessment and Performance Evaluation (TAPE) influent-range requirements, providing a robust performance evaluation. This rigorous testing and review process is part of the Washington Ecology’s TAPE program, which evaluates emerging stormwater treatment technologies through field testing and a formal regulatory review.
David Batts, President of Convergent Water Technologies, expressed excitement about the new regulatory pathway.
The GULD designation is expected to open new opportunities for the FocalPoint system in Washington and potentially in other states that reference TAPE certifications. Convergent Water Technologies is evaluating additional opportunities in markets including Oregon, California, and Colorado, where TAPE credentials may support technology acceptance or local regulatory review.
The FocalPoint system is designed to provide high-rate biofiltration within a compact, flexible footprint. It combines engineered media, modular underdrain components, and integrated pretreatment options to support water-quality treatment while providing greater design flexibility for constrained sites. Compared with traditional bioretention, FocalPoint can provide a substantially smaller treatment footprint, allowing more site area to remain available for development while reducing excavation, underdrain, bridging stone, and media requirements.
The designation establishes an important new regulatory pathway for the FocalPoint system, while retaining the design characteristics that have made the system attractive for constrained and high-value sites. Convergent Water Technologies will support the designation with new technical resources, design guidance, and project-specific assistance for engineers and other stormwater professionals evaluating FocalPoint for upcoming projects.