Western Treatment Plant & the water cycle

Explore the Western Treatment Plant and find out how the sewage system works. Learn about the key processes of the natural and urban water cycle.

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Learning resources

Lesson ideas and worksheets have been created for you to use in your classroom to compliment the Western Treatment Plant and water cycle excursion. These lesson plans outline key content and concepts that will enhance your student’s learning experience. There are different resources for you to use pre-visit, during your visit and post-visit. The lessons get students to explore and investigate themes that are curriculum-aligned.

Year 3&4 - Super Sewage and the water cycle exploration

Learning outcomes

• Understand the importance of water and identify sources of water
• Explain how water flows through the natural and urban water cycle
• Learn where water comes from and where it goes when it goes down the drain
• Discover how wastewater is treated and then recycled
• Consider ways that they can use water wisely - reduce consumption and waste

Student activities

• Explore the sewage treatment plant by bus
• Observe the process of sewage treatment 
• Work in groups to complete a Water Cycle puzzle 
• Discuss how they are part of the water cycle

Victorian Curriculum v2.0

Science: VC2S4U04, VC2S4U07  

Geography: VC2HG4K01, VC2HG4S05, VC2HG4K09 

Prepare for your visit

Before your visit, read the following information and complete our venue and safety form before you arrive.

All tours will be cancelled on days of very poor or hazardous air quality and/ or total fire ban days.

Safety

We are committed to the safety of all visitors to our sites. When visiting our tour sites, we ask that you strictly follow these safety rules at all times: 

• wear long pants/trousers 
• wear long-sleeved tops
• wear closed-toe, flat-soled shoes – sandals and thongs are not permitted on site 
• stay with your tour guide at all times 
• while on tour do not climb on or over railings 
• do not touch any machinery or equipment 
• do not run. 

The Western Treatment Plant treats sewage, which contains many micro-organisms including bacteria, viruses and parasites. When visiting the plant: 

• avoid contact with sewage and sewage-related products wash your hands before leaving the plant or eating 
• do not eat or drink during the tour 
• wash any contaminated clothing separately to your normal washing 
• cover any open wounds, and report any minor cuts or abrasions that occur while onsite to Melbourne Water 
• wear appropriate clothing for all weather conditions as activities are conducted outdoors. 

Student supervision and discipline is the school’s responsibility, and teachers and adults accompanying school groups should actively supervise students at all times. 

We reserve the right to cancel a booked tour and ask individuals or groups to leave the site immediately if any action or behaviour is unsafe. 

Venue and safety form

Download and return a signed copy of the form when you arrive for your tour.

Child safe standards

We’re committed to the safety and wellbeing of children and young people, and providing a child-safe environment in line with our Child Safe Policy (52.21 KB, DOCX). All our Education Officers and Interpretation Officers have the relevant legal requirements (Working With Children Check or Victorian Institute of Teaching registration).

How to get there

The address for the Western Treatment Plant is 1 William Thwaites Dr, Cocoroc VIC 3030

View our location on Google maps 

By car or bus

​Travel outbound 30 km on the Westgate freeway/M1 towards Geelong, take the second C109 exit off to Werribee after you have passed the Werribee Open Range Zoo and Werribee River. Once you exit turn left and enter at the William Thwaite's​ Drive gate. Follow the signs to drive to the Education and Cultural Precinct.