Water Reclamation Facility Tours
Full Tour and Lab
Learn about the engineering processes that transform dirty wastewater into three products: clean water, biosolids and energy. Explore how population growth and resource use affects overall wastewater systems and the health of the Spokane Valley-Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer. After the tour, participate in a hands-on lab to clean your own ‘wastewater’ while gaining a better understanding of the chemistry and physical processes crucial to the treatment process.
Short Tour
This is a shorter walking tour and can be combined with one of the other lessons below.
Aquifer Manager
Using an aquifer model, students work together to manage groundwater wells on their property. Students will apply critical thinking to adapt to changing conditions including climate change, drought and population growth. Students will understand how conservation can by applied to manage resources wisely.
Stormwater
Using the Water Resource Center campus, students will do a mapping exercise, noting permeable and impermeable areas, to understand how different surfaces can impact runoff in an urban environment.
Investigate Water
Test local water samples using handheld probes, chemical tests and biological assessments to evaluate the properties and quality of the various water sources.