On Friday, February 17, 2025, the AP Environmental Science and Environmental Field Studies Science Classes took the day to go on a field trip to the Warwick Sewer Authority. Although this may not sound like your traditional and exciting field trip, it was a beneficial experience for the students. The workers took the students on a tour of the entire plant and walked the kids through what it is that happens at each of the different sites. The students had the chance to ask questions at each location and the classes learned something new from each of the different stations.
The students were able to see and experience the procedures for each step of the process. From taking the water straight from the toilet flush and filtering it, to clean and clear water being let back into the Pawtuxet River, the students witnessed the entirety of the process. The science classes were then able to look at the technology of the plant and examine a map of all of the different pumps throughout the City of Warwick. Afterwards, the students were invited into the lab to understand the science behind the processes that the students had already witnessed.
In the lab, the science classes saw the differences in what can and what cannot be flushed down the toilet. For example, the difference in the material of flushable wipes versus toilet paper. Though the wipes may be advertised as flushable, that doesn’t exactly mean you should flush them. They saw how easily these wipes can clog your toilet and lead your sewage system to malfunction. Experiments like this one allowed students to interact with the scientists and learn about the history of the sewage plant. They also learned about the struggles of the Sewer Authority during the pandemic. For example, the students learned about how a sewage authority plant could be completely thrown off by the introduction of COVID-19 into the water system.
The Sewage Authority team opened the eyes of many students, (and teachers). The employees gave everyone tips on how they could improve the work being done at the Warwick Sewer Authority. For instance, they talked about how you should never put cooking grease down the drain and should instead throw it in the trash. Attendees of this field trip took away all sorts of advice to help keep clean Warwick’s water.
At the end of the trip, the workers expressed their love and passion for the work they do at the Warwick Sewer Authority. The business wanted to share a message with the students and the people of Warwick: “be cautious about what you throw down the drain.” Every choice you make on what you throw down the drain will affect the amount of work the sewage workers have to put into clarifying your waste. To make their lives easier, and your own, it’s best to never discard solids or non flushable material down the drain.
The classes were very happy to have attended this field trip and learned a lot from the experience. Thank you to the Warwick Sewer Authority for hosting the Toll Gate science classes, to the employees for being so pleasant and patient with the students, and to Mrs. Washington and Mrs. O’ Leary for organizing this knowledgeable field trip for our classes! Warwick, you are too cool to be clogged!
