Freshwater Tour
Purpose: To introduce teachers to the watershed, water conservation, and water purification...

Water Conservation
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East Texas Water Purification Plant: on Federal
Mr. Robinton gave us an excellent introduction to the freshwater treatment plant. Houston recieves all of its water from surface sourceds such as the Trinity River and Lake Houston as opposed to groundwater. Because Houston sits on clay, the city and surrounding areas are prone to subsidence as the groundwater level decreases. There are areas in the NW of Houston that are still experiencing subsidence, but continue to remove groundwater.

Royce Belt, Water Conservation Educator:

shows the teachers the forebay, where water from the Trinity is filtered out for large animals and debris.

Chemicals are added to reduce odor, kill bacteria and cause particles to 'floc' together for easy removal.

As we moved down the 'train', the water became clearer as silt continually sinks and is removed. At this end of the train, the water falls over weyrs to increase oxygen and again catch large particles that may have fallen in. From there, the water is filtered through a combination of sand, gravel and........

The plant continually monitors the quality of the water as it exits each part of the plant. Chemists can determine the quantity of chemicals to add in order to maxamize effective use of resources

West University Sewage Treatment Plant
Names: Roscoe
Tour of a Sewage Treatment Plant

Toured the process of sewage treatment. Discussed water monitoring.

(left)
We started off in the intake area. Here a grate stops the larger objects from entering the system. This helps reduce the wear and tear on the system.

(right) This blue tube is called an Archmedies screw and works to brings the sewage up and into the plant.

(left)
Sometimes your senses are on overdrive when truely experiencing a field trip. The sewage treatment plant is not just a visual trip.