When we flush toilets or drain sinks and appliances, the water seems to magically disappear. Of course, it doesn’t. Learn where your water goes, and have fun doing it at the Goleta Sanitary District’s Open House and Family Fall Festival on Saturday, October 24 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at 1 William Moffett Place, across from the airport car rental area.
The water drains into a system of 132-miles of underground pipes that collect wastewater from throughout the Goleta Valley and transports it to the Goleta Sanitary District’s wastewater treatment plant. Once at the plant, the wastewater is treated for reuse and/or discharge to the ocean. It is a complex and fascinating process you can see first-hand by attending this popular community event.
“We are extremely proud of what we do here and we really enjoy having this opportunity to show the community how our wastewater treatment system works to protect public health and the environment,” said Steve Wagner, Goleta Sanitary District’s General Manager.
The District has been holding this event every other year since 1951 where hundreds of Goleta Valley residents have toured the facility filled with fun family activities. The entire plant will be open to the public. This is a “all hands on deck” event where every employee will be there to show visitors around and explain what happens with the over 4 million gallons of wastewater the Goleta Valley generates each and every day. Additionally, visitors will be treated to a variety of entertaining activities, such as: guided tours, demonstrations, BIG trucks, operating heavy equipment, machines in action, visiting the laboratory, getting a print-out of your home’s District sewer connection, and learning how wastewater is turned into irrigation water and fertilizer. Free hot dogs, chips, and lemonade will be served as well.
“I’ve enjoyed this event for over 20 years. This is a wonderful way to show our customers what we do and educate them no how to be better stewards of our wastewater system. There’s a lot of things folks can do on their end to help the system work more efficiently and keep our costs at a minimum. At this event they can learn how to help us and help the environment at the same time,” said George Emerson, President of the Goleta Sanitary District Board.
“Please come see how all this works and have fun doing it. Hop on a hay ride. Have a hot dog. Play educational games and win prizes. All free for the entire family,” added Emerson.
The entire Goleta Sanitary District staff looks forward to meeting you and showing you where your water goes and what they do to protect public health and the environment.
For more information visit www.GoletaSanitary.org or call (805) 967-4519.