AP Chemistry students in Rialto stepped out from behind their desks and landed squarely in front of Veolia’s wastewater team. Students and teachers in small groups learned about the treatment process from the men and women charged with doing it every day – lab personnel and operators – who spent this day sharing and teaching on top of their regular duties. The students watched videos, toured the plant on foot and spent time in the lab, where they saw real-world applications of the chemistry they study in class.

Operator Steve Nixon had this to say about the event, “The students leave the tour with a better understanding of what happens when they flush the toilet or put something down the sink. Plus they learn that wastewater treatment is not as nasty a job as people think and requires lots of technology and chemistry. What they’re learning in school does apply to life.”

Congratulations to the Rialto team involved in this great community activity – Lab Director Janet Williams-Harmon, Operators Ron Biggeli, Marlon Brosco , Dayton Reeves and Steve Nixon, Administrative Assistant Lissa Blount and Project Manager Dan Villanueva!