Community Relations

Water Cycle Presentation

RWRD will provide an in-classroom presentation entitled “How We Contribute to the Water Cycle” that illustrates the water cycle in the wastewater treatment process. The in-classroom presentation is aligned with Arizona Science Standards for all grade levels (K-12). Because the presentation is engaging and relates to the water cycle and science, it assists teachers meet instructional requirements and more importantly, ALL OUR PROGRAMS ARE FREE!

This curriculum is stretched over two days:

• Day 1: “How we Contribute to the Water Cycle” presentation and Q&A
• Day 2: RWRD will bring our Sewer Science Lab to your classroom. Students will experience a lively interactive presentation of the physical, biological, and chemical processes used at a water reclamation facility (treatment plant). Students will also gain an understanding of how reclaimed water plays an important part in our desert region.

You can choose Day 1, Day 2, or both days, we will curtail our curriculum just let us know.

NOTE: Requests should be made at least four weeks in advance in order to properly schedule personnel.

Science: Our staff will engage and educate students with hands on experience through microscopes to get students to experience visibly the physical, biological, and chemical processes used at a water reclamation facility (treatment plant) to better understand the water treatment process and how the water is cleaned. The interaction is followed by a demonstration of “Should You Flush It,” which provides the students understanding on how their behaviors can help our environment.

Career: RWRD also participates in Career Fairs and work to encourage and educate the future workforce into STEM careers, since Science, Technology, and Engineering play a vital role in RWRD.

NOTE: Requests should be made at least four weeks in advance in order to properly schedule personnel.

Take a peek at what we offer.

The Tucson Citizen Water Academy is a series of lectures, tours, and activities provided by Water Campus partners UA Water and Energy Sustainable Technology, Pima County Regional Wastewater Reclamation Department, and Tucson Water. The goal of the Citizen Water Academy is to provide an inside look at how citizens are part of the local water cycle, examining drinking water supplies, the wastewater reclamation process, and research and innovations for the future. The Academy also provides citizens a better understanding of water-related businesses and what it takes to run water and wastewater utilities.

Register here.

Passed the Flush...

Join us on a fascinating and educational tour that focuses on learning about the science and technology behind wastewater treatment as we protect the public health and the environment. Pima County Regional Wastewater Reclamation Department (RWRD) shares this educational resource and valuable assets that have been funded over the years by the citizens of Pima County. Our facility tours are a great way for schools, organizations, or ratepayers to learn about the enormous effort that it takes to provide a wastewater utility to our community. Tours are tailored to fit the specific needs of a school or organization and are available to our customers at no charge.

Take a look at the two videos that explain the treatment process at RWRD’s two metropolitan treatment facilities, Tres RÍos and Agua Nueva Water Reclamation Facilities (WRF). On a typical day, RWRD treats approximately 50 million gallons of wastewater combined at these facilities.

To schedule a tour, please fill out the online Tour Request Form; or contact Jeannette Montano, Outreach Specialist, Community Relations Office by phone at (520) 724-6265 or via email at jeannette.montano@pima.gov.