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Elementary school programs 

The Wastewater Treatment Division offers free field trips for 3rd graders though 5th graders. 

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We also offer:

Videotaped versions of all lessons, curriculum, video tours of our treatment plants, and more. Check out our educational resources here.

Registration

Elementary program registration for the 2025-26 school year will be opening soon! Registration will open in a tiered system based on low-income percentage (free-and-reduced-lunch).

  • 50% or more low income: Tuesday May 20th
  • 25% or more low income: Tuesday May 27th
  • Open to all: Tuesday June 10th at 9am

Our programs bring classroom learning to life. We engage students in hands, project-based fieldwork that appeals to a variety of learning styles. We are offering 4-hour programs at the Brightwater Center in Woodinville and South Plant in Renton. Please register for a program at the facility that is located closest to your school so we can support more classes for students.

Transportation

We have limited funding to provide free transportation through our Wheels to Water Program. Wheels to Water can provide buses or reimburse your school for costs to provide your own district bus. To qualify, your school must be a minimum 35% free and reduced lunch rate as per the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Stormwater Engineers Field Study for 4th and 5th graders

In this field program, students actively engage in the engineering design process to tackle stormwater problems. Students will identify stormwater problems in the landscape, research innovative engineered solutions, and test possible solutions using models. This program is designed for classes that are studying erosion, deposition, stormwater, and environmental engineering.

Humans and the Water Cycle Program for 4th through 5th graders

In this program, students will learn how their daily choices affect the water cycle. Students will experience the wastewater treatment plant firsthand and see how engineers have designed a system to clean our water and protect human and environmental health. This program is designed for classes that are studying how humans affect the water cycle, water systems, water use, and urban infrastructure. This program involves a tour of the treatment plant and is only for students ages 9 and up.

Urban Ecosystems Field Study (formerly Freshwater Ecosystems) for 3rd through 6th graders (only at Brightwater)

In this field program, students investigate the health of Brightwater as an urban ecosystem, and the role that urban ecosystems play in supporting the health of students’ communities. They develop an understanding of the “ingredients” for a healthy urban ecosystem in the Pacific Northwest, and how Brightwater was specifically designed and constructed to support thriving communities of plants, animals, AND humans. This program is designed for classes that are studying water systems, habitats, ecosystems, pollution, and water quality.

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