Come on a Virtual Field Trip

Experience the Cedar River and Tolt Watersheds wherever you are! Learn about the water cycle, watersheds, and the Seattle area's mountain-fresh water supplies:

From a high school teacher
 “They're great!  They are exactly what I need to let kids know where their water comes from and that it is cleaner than ANYTHING they get from a bottle… Students learn the reality of where the water comes from, the history of how it happened and the science that keeps it safe.  Thanks!”

From a 4th grade teacher
“Overall, amazing, amazing resources. Your team ROCKS! The videos are so well done, and captured all our interest. We can't thank you enough.”

"I liked learning about the watershed and where it comes from because it was fun and interesting. It helped me understand how water works better."

"I thought the videos and activities were absolutely fantastic! I loved the videos because they made me feel like I was tasting fresh water right at the spot. I loved the activities ‘cause we got to tell about water resources and draw water drops for how many times we use water. And last but not least, the videos were awesome because they had wonderful pictures, and excellent water cycle explanations. I loved the afternoon!"

"It was soooo cool!!!!!! i just learned that water takes 3 WEEKS!! To come to our faucet! It takes so much steps and I hope we can do it again."

"It was fun and it’s so cool that we get water from the Cedar River and the Tolt River."

"I think it was Awesome cause we learned about the two rivers which give us water. We also learned about how are water gets cleaned before it comes to us. I pretty much think that it was AWESOME!"

What is a Watershed?

What is a Watershed video, 4 minutes

Find out what a watershed is, and how Seattle protects two special watersheds that provide drinking water to 1.6 million people.

Make Your Own Watershed activity, 30 minutes

Find out how watersheds work in real life! Make a paper model of a watershed and see how water flows over the land. You'll discover that whatever goes on the land, goes in the water, too.

Our Amazing Water Cycle

Did you know that the water we use is the same water that dinosaurs drank millions of years ago? Find out how the amazing water cycle delivers water to the Cedar and Tolt River Watersheds, sustaining life for 1.6 million people and countless plants and animals!

Our Amazing Water Cycle video, 5 minutes

Now that you've watched the "Our Amazing Water Cycle" video, you have a better idea of how precious our fresh water is and how some of it becomes your drinking water. Complete the activity sheet to learn even more!

Our Amazing Water Cycle activity, 30 minutes

Where Does My Water Come From?

When you turn on the faucet, do you know where that water comes from? Discover all the steps your water takes on its way to you.

Where Does My Water Come From? video, 6 minutes

Now that you've watched the "Where Does My Water Come From?" video, you have a better idea of how water gets from the Cascade Mountains to you. Complete the activities below to learn even more about your drinking water!

Where Does My Water Come From? activity, 30 minutes

How Clean is My Water?

How does Seattle's water taste so good? Discover the four T's of Seattle's clean water: Thoughtful ownership, Trees, Treatment, and Testing.

How Clean is My Water? video, 7 minutes

Now that you’ve watched the "How Clean is My Water" video, find out how filters work to clean water!

Make a Water Filter activity, 30-60 minutes

Public Utilities

Andrew Lee, General Manager and CEO
Address: 700 5th Avenue, Suite 4900, Seattle, WA, 98104
Mailing Address: PO Box 34018, Seattle, WA, 98124-5177
Phone: (206) 684-3000
SPUCustomerService@seattle.gov

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Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is comprised of three major direct-service providing utilities: the Water Utility, the Drainage and Wastewater Utility, and the Solid Waste Utility.