The Story of Water: Episode 1. The water cycle, or the hydrologic cycle, describes the continuous movement of water around the Earth

Discover what happens to wastewater after it leaves homes and businesses; and learn how it is treated and recycled. There are two main treatment plants in Melbourne, the Western Treatment Plant and the Eastern Treatment Plant, which treats over 90% of Melbourne’s sewage.

The amount of water in our environment is influenced by the type of climate. Across Australia, there are six broad climate zones. Climate is the average weather conditions of a place for a long period of time, while weather is the atmospheric conditions (hot day, rain, cool conditions) for a brief period of time. 

Hard surfaces like roads and footpaths in our cities stop rain from soaking into the ground. This water must go somewhere, and a network of stormwater pipes has been built across our cities to remove this excess water when it rains.
Stormwater pipes are different to the pipes in our homes. When it rains, water in our streets flows into stormwater drains, along with any rubbish or pollutants in the street.

River Detectives is a free, fun and flexible statewide citizen science program designed for schools, which supports teachers to explore their local rivers and creeks with students.

Tour at WTP, VCE Environmental Science, VCE - Unit 3&4, Unit 1&2. Explore the Western Treatment Plant, Werribee and develop knowledge and understanding of the environments, including the biodiversity of the Ramsar listed wetlands. Discover how the whole site is managed in response to environmental challenges.

Tour at WTP, VCE Outdoor and Environmental Studies, VCE - Unit 1&2, Unit 3&4. Explore the Western Treatment Plant, Werribee and discover how humans have understood and interacted with this environment. Learn about the sustainable use and management of the whole site, from sewage treatment to the Ramsar listed wetlands.

Tour at WTP, Systems Engineering, VCE - Unit 3 & 4, Explore the Western Treatment Plant, find out about water management and learn about the technology that enables sewage to become a valuable and reusable resource. (renewable energy)

Tour, Explore the Western Treatment Plant, Werribee and find out how the sewage system works. Learn about the key processes of the natural and urban water cycle and participate in a super sewage activity.