Water & Wastewater Community Outreach

Do you know how water gets to your faucet and the processes that happen to ensure its quality and safety?

Have you ever wondered what happens to the dirty water from your shower, bath, laundry and toilet after it goes down the drain? We invite you to take a free tour of our water or wastewater treatment plants to find out how our utility system works.

Why visit the Newark Water Treatment Plant?

Many people take for granted the simple act of turning on a faucet and getting a cold glass of water. Discover how the drinking water supply is treated before being piped to close to 18,000 homes and businesses in the City of Newark area. Visitors of our tours learn about the coagulation, flocculation, filtration, and disinfection processes our drinking water must go through before distribution. Visitors see chemistry in action when they tour the drinking water testing lab. The tour encourages an appreciation for our precious resource and inspires the adoption of conservation measures to protect our waters. The City of Newark Wastewater Treatment Plant is a fascinating example of how far we have come in the treatment of sewage. New technology incorporating biological and UV treatments allow us to “reclaim” the water from the waste before returning it safely to the environment. We’re also producing pipeline quality methane gas for our local utility that is consumed as natural gas in local households. Opportunities to see microorganisms at work are numerous as the “bugs” consume the organic materials in aerobic and anoxic basins, and also the anaerobic digesters. Come see how this new technology has enhanced the field of wastewater treatment.

Tour Specifics

Tours are free of charge.
Tours are 45 to 120 minutes in length depending on the tour requested.
Open to all ages 7 years and older.
Available for groups up to 20. Larger groups may be accommodated depending on staffing and plant operations.
Tours can be tailored to school groups, civic groups, or professional organizations.
Tours are available on a first come, first serve basis.
Tour guides are employees who operate or manage the plants. They provide a thorough, step-by-step explanation of the treatment processes.

Tour Safety

The plants are functioning industrial sites operating 24-hours a day, seven days a week. Sturdy closed shoes are required for both your safety and comfort. No flip-flops, sandals, clogs, open toed shoes, or high heels are allowed.

We also reserve the right to cancel tours in the event of a plant or City emergency or inclement weather. While tours involve quite a bit of walking, climbing stairs, and may include tight hallways and tunnels, we can change the route to accommodate wheelchairs, canes, and walkers.

To Schedule A Tour

Water Treatment Plant:
John Lee, Assistant Water Facilities Manager
(740)-670-7966
or jlee@newarkohio.net

Wastewater Treatment Plant:
Scott Knighton, Wastewater Facilities Manager
(740)-349-6768
or sknighton@newarkohio.net