Drinking Water and Wastewater Field Trips
Water Treatment Plant
Take a closer look at how drinking water comes from Lake Michigan into your tap! Students will tour the Water Treatment Plant with BPW educators to get a firsthand look at this process.
- Offered April-October, weather permitting
- 60 minutes
- Capacity: 25 students
Discover the wonderful world of water at the Water Treatment Plant! Young learners will become a water droplet and explore the steps of the water cycle. Students will also see the drinking water treatment process and learn where our drinking water comes from, how it is treated so it's safe for our community, and how water goes from lake to taps!
Due to limited space at the treatment plant, this program takes place mostly outdoors, weather permitting. This program can accommodate larger groups by utilizing Tunnel Park. Please note that this field trip is not ADA accessible. Students are asked to wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes.
Water Reclamation Facility
Walk through the Water Reclamation Facility on the banks of Lake Macatawa! Students will tour the facility guided by expert staff and educators to learn what happens to wastewater after they flush the toilet.
Tours and field trips at Water Reclamation take place mainly outdoors. In the case of heavy wind, snow, ice, or other inclement weather, your field trip may need to be rescheduled. We recommend scheduling this program April-October.
- Offered April-October, weather permitting
- 60 minutes
- Capacity: 25 students
New for the 2025-2026 school year! Students become researchers for a day and go behind the scenes to experience the sights (and smells!) of wastewater treatment. Students will learn what happens after the toilet flushes and how the water reclamation process playsa vital role in keeping our aquatic ecosystems clean and safe for our community.
*Please Note: this experience is not ADA accessible and requires students to wear closed-toe shoes. All other PPE is provided. Program is available April-October and takes place entirely outdoors so it is weather dependent.
Custom Programs
Place-Based Learning
Holland Board of Public Works is proud to partner with teachers to create customized place-based programs that support classroom learning. Place-based learning programs include classroom visits paired with field trips to BPW facilities and can be customized to suit your needs!
Lending Library
Need materials to help teach your science unit? Borrow supplies from Holland BPW’s Lending Library!