Tours
Water and Sewage Treatment Plant Tours provide students with an insight into the treatment side of the urban water cycle. Tours can be complimented by pre-and post-visit activities and materials provided by Unitywater.
Sewage Treatment Plant tours
Sewage is collected from homes and businesses in a network of pipes and taken to the Sewage Treatment Plants. Sewage includes all water from the laundry, toilet, bathroom, kitchen, as well as water from business and industry.
At the Sewage Treatment Plant, the sewage goes through a series of physical and biological treatment processes and is finally disinfected with chlorine. At Murrumba Downs and South Caboolture Treatment Plants, further treatment is undertaken to make the water suitable for industrial uses and some residential use.
School tours can be arranged, given sufficient notice, at the following facilities to help students obtain a greater understanding of the treatment processes:
- Murrumba Downs Sewage Treatment Plant and Recycled Water Facility - Bickle Road, Murrumba Downs; and
- Maroochydore Sewage Treatment Plant - 38 Commercial Road, Maroochydore.
Prior to visiting the site, the class must be studying water and sewage. This ensures a better educational experience for the students.
Conditions of tour
Tours are provided depending on tour guide availability and may not be available at all times due to construction works, resources and other issues that occur at an operating treatment facility.
A supervision ratio of one adult to five children (1:5) is required. Do not include the Unitywater officer in your supervision ratio. Supervision and discipline of the children is the responsibility of the adult group leaders. This ratio is essential in the event that a child feels ill, is poorly behaved, or for another reason cannot continue on the tour.
The tour guide will terminate the tour if visitor behaviour is unsatisfactory. There are heights and odours at treatment plants, which some children may be uncomfortable with and additional teacher/parent supervision may be required.
Please allow approximately (x) hours for the tour. Tours may run for longer depending on group size. Tour groups must leave the site by 2.30pm unless otherwise arranged. A safety induction is conducted prior to tour (approximately 5-10 minutes). Further information will be provided upon booking a tour.
Booking requests:
To request a tour booking, please contact community@unitywater or phone our Customer Service Centre on 1300 0 UNITY (1300 086 489) from a landline anywhere in Australia for the cost of a local call.
Pre & Post Tour Materials
Materials are available at the time of booking.
Water Treatment Plant Tours
Water treatment plants are operated by seqwater at the North Pine Dam. To book a tour, contact seqwater on (07) 3035 5570, or email education@seqwater.com.au.