Plant Tours

Have you ever wondered about what happens to dirty water after it goes down the drain or is flushed down the toilet? The Water Pollution Control Plant offers in-person tours to learn more about how wastewater treatment protects public health and the San Francisco Bay:

  • Get a bird’s-eye view of the equipment that keeps our sewer pipes clean
  • See how we remove sticks, rocks, sand, gravel and other gunk from water
  • Learn how we use bacteria to clean the water
  • Meet the chemists who run an average of 45 tests on the water throughout the day
  • View our water under a microscope - see our bugs in action
  • Find out how you can help keep our water clean
  • See how important science is to our community and our environment
  • Learn about careers available in the environmental field

The in-person tour is led by a WPCP staff member at the Wastewater Treatment Plant and is approximately 1.5 hours. Safety is WPCP’s top priority, as the treatment plant is an active, fully operational plant with heavy truck traffic. This tour involves walking up and down narrow stairways, walking over uneven ground, and potentially being exposed to strong odors and birds. Chaperones are required for children and all attendees must be over 10 years old. Individual safety waivers are required.

Classroom teachers and home school groups are highly encouraged to schedule a tour and come explore the wastewater treatment plant.

This is a great opportunity to enhance your curriculum by showing students science in action - cleaning water using mechanical, biological and chemical processes.

Free in-person tours are available with appointment.

To schedule a tour or for more information:

Hayes Morehouse

[email protected]  
City of San Leandro
3000 Davis Street
San Leandro, CA 94577
(510) 577-3434