The Mysterious Drop in the Drainpipe Today’s Goal: To understand how drinking water gets into our homes and where it goes once it leaves. To be introduced to the water cycle. To learn how living conditions have changed over time with the advancement of technology and innovation.

The Mysterious Drop in the Drainpipe The water we use every day is very much a part of the earth’s water cycle. (Surface Water) (Condensation)

The Mysterious Drop in the Drainpipe The water cycle is a term used to describe how water is constantly moving all over the earth.

The Mysterious Drop in the Drainpipe Our water supply sources are not always drinkable and may need treatment to remove natural or manmade contaminants.

The Mysterious Drop in the Drainpipe Our drinking water comes from either ground water or surface water. O c e a n s Rivers L a k e s Reservoirs Creeks S t r e a m s W e l l s Springs A q u i f e r s

The Mysterious Drop in the Drainpipe The water is disinfected and treated at a water treatment plant.

The Mysterious Drop in the Drainpipe Clean drinking water comes into our homes through one set of pipes and leaves our homes as wastewater through another set of pipes.

The Mysterious Drop in the Drainpipe The dirty wastewater that is flushed down the drain must be treated again so that it can be safely and effectively recycled back to nature.

The Mysterious Drop in the Drainpipe There are two main ways to treat wastewater. 1.Septic Systems 2.Wastewater Treatment Plants

The Mysterious Drop in the Drainpipe Both septic systems and wastewater treatment plants rely on small, microscopic organisms to help clean up water.