By Ted J. Rulseh, Water System Operator Magazine [1]
Ten students in the Student Conservation Association (SCA) urban-based community conservation program in Seattle learned about the water industry during a visit to the city's Tolt Water Treatment Plant.
Hosted by American Water and Seattle Public Works, the tour was part of the company's partnership with the SCA in support of the organization's national internship program addressing water conservation, quality and advocacy.
The students went behind the scenes and learned first-hand about the operations of the plant, designed, built and operated by a joint venture between American Water and CDM. The plant delivers up to 120 mgd, about 30 percent of the city's annual water supply.
A key part of the SCA urban-based community program is environmental education and job readiness training. The green jobs readiness curriculum gives youth a foundation of knowledge in environmental issues, introduces them to green career, and helps them develop job skills.