When we are children, we are sometimes told “No potty talk,” but at King County Wastewater Treatment Division (WTD), we believe in more educational potty talk!
Most people don’t think about what happens to all the water that gets flushed down a toilet, goes down a sink, or flows into a storm drain on our streets. Where does the water go? How does water get cleaned? What happens to the poop? We provide educational resources and programs that answer these important questions.
Entertaining Games
We teamed up with University of Washington to create fun, entertaining games that teach everyone about water.
In Drain Games, you’re a water drop that falls down into underground pipes. Your goal is to get to the wastewater treatment plant where you will be cleaned! You answer questions, avoid leaks, and battle enemies such as hair balls, grease blobs, dog poop and pollution.
In Poop Loop, you turn wastewater (and all the stuff in it) into recycled and reused resources.
Learn how energy, water, and food for plants are created from what you flush and test how quickly you can make these recycled resources!
Interactive Maps
Have you ever wondered where the water goes from your school, home, or favorite restaurant? In WaterMaps you can find information about local water systems and create your own maps of the water in your community. Use Water Maps to find hidden pipes underground!
Educational Resources
On our educational resources webpage, you’ll find information on:
- taking a virtual tour of a wastewater treatment plant,
- how sustainable yard care can protect our water,
- the many careers in clean water,
- and much more!
“We are all part of the water cycle and it’s too easy to flush and forget,” says Susan Tallarico, WTD Supervisor for Education and Engagement. “It is important that people learn about their local water systems and how they are a part of it and affect it every day.”
