Clean Water University
The City of Springfield and the Metropolitan Wastewater Management Commission (MWMC) are proud to offer the Clean Water University program to Springfield and Eugene area 5th grade classes, free of charge. Clean Water University provides an opportunity to learn about wastewater, stormwater, and drinking water through interactive activity booths and a tour of the Eugene-Springfield wastewater treatment plant. The overarching goal of the 2-hour field trip is to teach students about the importance of clean water. This is offered with support from the City of Eugene and Springfield Utility Board.
For several years Clean Water University was a successful in-class program for Springfield students, and for the first time in September of 2018 the program is now a field trip event and has been expanded into Eugene and Bethel school districts. Limited space is available. Stay tuned for information about future sessions of Clean Water University.
The Clean Water University field trip includes:
- Chlorine Testing – This hands-on activity, with help from staff, shows students how to measure the chlorine levels of wastewater samples.
- Small Bugs, Big Impact – Students use microscopes to view bacteria found in the wastewater treatment process.
- Biosolids to Poplar Trees – This tactile and visual activity takes students on the journey from biosolids production all the way to the poplar trees grown from biosolids fertilizer.
- Big Bugs – Students watch and learn to identify live macroinvertebrates, also known as big bugs!
- Nature’s Filter – Students learn about the on-site bioswale that slows and filters stormwater at the treatment plant.
- Down and Dirty – Students get “down and dirty” to find out just how tough it is to clean up oil when it’s leaked into the stormwater system.
- Trash It! – In this fast-paced and fun game, students test their knowledge of how to properly dispose of common household items.
- Cornhole – Students play a new kind of cornhole – with a clean water theme!
- Drinking Water Challenge, with Springfield Utility Board – Students learn about where their drinking water comes from and how different everyday activities can either help or harm the quality of the water they drink.
- Wastewater Treatment Plant Tour – Students see firsthand how an average of 35 million gallons of wastewater are cleaned every day for the Eugene-Springfield area.
Interested in learning more about Clean Water University? Email mwmcpartners@springfield-or.gov or call 541.726.3694.
“I thought at first that these weren’t important in life. But now that I know everything, it’s actually pretty exciting! I love CWU! Grade for CWU: A++ and so on!”
–Kai, Thurston Elementary
“My favorite lesson was when we got to look at the aquatic macroinvertebrates. I know that mayfly larva have three tails and that they breath through their gills. Another thing I learned was that water needs to be clean for fish to breath.”
–Ashley, Moffitt Elementary
