Learning what happens when they flush is usually accompanied by extended noises of disgust, but after just a little while, students realize -and agree- that it is very important.

We usually begin by teaching them what it takes in terms of engineering and technology to bring potable water to their kitchen. It opens their mind. Not just to the process but more so to the concept of luxury that it is to have clean drinking water readily available. Learning about flocculation, filtering and disinfection as well as the fact that only 0.3% of all of the world’s water is fresh water available for drinking is quite eye-opening.

During a filtering activity it all comes into focus and students suddenly understand that clean water is our most valuable resource.