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 DrainpipeOur water supply sources are not always drinkable and may need treatment to remove natural or manmade contaminants.

BACTERIA

The Mysterious Drop in the Drainpipe

Our drinking water comes from either ground water or surface water.

Oceans

Rivers

Lakes

Reservoirs

CreeksStreams

Wells

Springs

Aquif

er

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 Systems2. 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.