Tour of San Francisco's Southeast Wastewater Treatment Plant

Have you ever wondered what happens to the water from your toilet, sink, shower, laundry, or dishwasher after it goes down the drain? What about stormwater that goes into the drains in our streets?

The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission invites you on a free tour of our Southeast Wastewater Treatment Plant, where we treat 80% of the city's wastewater. You'll see firsthand how our staff operate this vital piece of infrastructure to make dirty water clean again. Learn the phases of wastewater treatment and what you can do to help prevent pollution of our bay and ocean.

When: Public tours (for individual sign-up) are offered one Friday per month, May through October. Please click the “check availability” button and scroll through the calendar to see available days. Tours are from 10 a.m. to noon. Please arrive by 9:45 a.m. so we can start on time.

Where: 750 Phelps St, San Francisco, CA 94124

How to get there: Only limited street parking is available outside the plant. We recommend public transportation. Closest MUNI bus lines: 15, 19, and T line.

What to know about the plant and the tour:

• The Southeast Plant is a working facility designed to meet operational needs. It is not generally open to the public, and some areas remain restricted during tours.
• The minimum required age for public tours is 12 years old. Minors (12-17) must be accompanied by an adult. Adults (18 and older) must present valid photo ID.
• All tour takers must complete the waiver form available at sfpuc.gov/wastewaterplanttour and email it to [email protected].
• All tour takers must adhere to the safety dress code: Hard hats and safety vests are provided and must be worn at all times. Sturdy, closed-toed shoes and socks, long pants, and long-sleeved shirts are required. No flip-flops, sandals, open-toed shoes, shorts, skirts, or tank tops.
• The tour includes about two hours of walking, standing, and climbing stairs. It could include some confined spaces, noise, and smells (though not bad for a wastewater treatment plant!). Restroom access is limited to the beginning of the tour. The tour is mostly outdoors and could include significant sun or wind exposure depending upon weather.
• We are happy to make reasonable modifications and accommodations to enable everyone to access the tour. Please email [email protected] at least two weeks in advance of your registered tour date so we can be prepared.

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Host or Publisher San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC)