Oakland County, MI

Tours are available for our water treatment facilities! We invite students, community groups, water professionals, and elected officials to learn more about our water resources by joining us for a guided educational tour of one of our specialized facilities.

The Clinton River Water Resource Recovery Facility became a part of our organization in 2011. The facility treats approximately 30 million gallons of stormwater and sanitary sewage each day, serving the communities of Auburn Hills, Independence Township, Lake Angelus, Lake Orion, Oakland Township, Orion Township, Oxford Township, the Village of Oxford, Pontiac, Rochester, Rochester Hills, Waterford Township and West Bloomfield Township.

The Walled Lake-Novi Wastewater Treatment Plant cleans approximately 3.5 million gallons of stormwater and sanitary sewage collected from the Walled Lake-Novi area each day.

The George W. Kuhn (GWK) Retention Treatment Facility is one of the largest wastewater screening facilities in North America. This facility is part of the GWK Drainage District that serves all or part of 14 communities, encompassing a drainage area of 24,500 acres upstream of the Red Run Drain. During heavy rainfall the GWK Retention Treatment Basin is used to store, screen, and disinfect combined sewage (typically more than 93 percent stormwater), before it goes to the Red Run Drain.

Tour Guidelines

Scheduling: Each tour is approximately 90 minutes and can be scheduled between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., Monday through Friday, dependent on facility availability.

Chaperones: Chaperones are required for children. The following adult chaperone to student ratio must be followed:

• Fifth grade to eighth grade ratio is 10 children to one adult.
• Ninth grade to twelfth grade ratio is 20 children to one adult.

Contingency planning: In the event of inclement weather or a plant emergency the tour will be rescheduled.

Safety: Individual safety waivers are required. Safety is our top priority, as the facilities are active, fully operational facilities. Tours involve walking up and down narrow stairways, walking over uneven ground, and being exposed to odors.

Protective equipment and clothing: All visitors must wear a closed toe, flat sole shoe. Hard hats, ear plugs, and safety glasses will be provided where required.