GRANTS PASS, OR — In recognition of National Drinking Water Week, observed this year from May 4 through May 10, the City of Grants Pass Public Works Department is inviting residents to take a closer look at the essential processes behind their tap water. As part of the celebration, the city will offer public tours of both the Water Treatment Plant and the Water Restoration Plant on Wednesday, May 7.
The tours are intended to educate community members about the full cycle of water—from its source in the Rogue River to its return to the environment—emphasizing the importance of clean, reliable water for public health and environmental stewardship.
The city’s Water Treatment Plant is where the process begins. Drawing raw water from the Rogue River, the facility treats and purifies it before it’s sent to storage and eventually delivered to homes and businesses throughout the area. The treatment process involves multiple filtration and disinfection steps designed to meet rigorous state and federal water quality standards.
The Water Restoration Plant, on the other end of the cycle, handles the wastewater that flows from sinks, showers, toilets, and drains. Once it arrives at the facility, this used water undergoes a detailed treatment regimen to remove contaminants and ensure that it’s safe to reintroduce into the Rogue River. This process is crucial for maintaining ecological balance and protecting aquatic life downstream.
Both tours aim to show residents how much work goes into safeguarding a resource often taken for granted. Officials hope this firsthand experience will highlight the complex infrastructure and skilled personnel behind the scenes, as well as the significant public investment required to maintain it.
Tours will be offered from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 7 and will last approximately one hour. Each session is limited to eight participants due to space and safety considerations. Visitors are advised to wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes, as both facilities include stairways and uneven surfaces.
Those interested in attending can reserve a spot by calling the Public Works Department at 541-450-6110. The city encourages early registration due to limited availability.
National Drinking Water Week, sponsored by the American Water Works Association, serves as a reminder of the essential role clean drinking water plays in everyday life. Grants Pass joins communities across the country in celebrating this annual observance by offering a transparent look into its water systems and reaffirming its commitment to maintaining safe, sustainable water practices for generations to come.