Southern Water opens wastewater treatment works to Hampshire and Sussex schoolchildren
We have expanded our popular Beyond the Drain tours of wastewater sites, offering more members of the public the chance to go behind the scenes of the treatment process
New educational and community tours launching in Hampshire and Sussex
Building on the success of visits to Peacehaven Wastewater Treatment Works near Brighton, the programme has now been extended to sites in Hastings and Budds Farm in Havant - giving schools and community groups a unique insight into how wastewater is treated.
First on the new tours were Year 3 pupils from Arundel Church of England Primary School who visited Budds Farm’s new education centre. The children took part in a guided tour and interactive workshops led by our education team – learning about how wastewater is treated, the challenges treatment works face, and how we are working to reduce the impact of storm overflows through our £1.5bn Clean Rivers and Seas Plan.
Plans are in place to extend future tours to Sandown on the Isle of Wight and a location in Kent.
Kim Twine, Education Programmes and Partnerships Manager at Southern Water, said:
“Opening up our sites helps people understand the challenges we face and the work going on to fix them. It’s about being open, honest and bringing communities with us on that journey.”
Alex Willumsen, Community Programme and Partnerships Manager Southern Water, said:
“There’s a real ripple effect. It’s not just the people that visit us on the day – it’s the children who go home and talk to their parents and neighbours, and the community groups who become our advocates.”
The Beyond the Drain programme supports the national curriculum and is designed to be engaging, accessible and informative. Tours are available for schools, colleges and organised community groups, with sessions tailored to suit different age groups and learning needs.
How to take part
Schools and groups interested in booking a Beyond the Drain tour can find more information and submit a booking request via Southern Water’s website: www.southernwater.co.uk/beyond-the-drain
Places are limited and allocated on a first come first served basis.
ITV Media coverage about the tours can be seen here Hampshire's largest water treatment works opens doors to the public - Latest From ITV News