Our Year 12 Chemistry class visited the Bootawa Dam Water Treatment Plant for a full tour of the plant and lab where most of the drinking water for the entire MidCoast area is treated.  The students were given a fantastic tour and explanation of where the water comes from, storage, treatment, and its distribution along with the history and developments in water management in our area.  The students were then given a tour of the Bootawa water testing lab and shown some complex chemical techniques used every day to ensure our drinking water is up to the highest standard.

Left to Right – Back Row:  Peter Bawden, Thomas Fidock, Bradley Brincat, MidCoast Water Representative & Mr James Collins
Front Row:  Mrs Jane Polson, Taj Simpson, Divya Gupta, Charles Pitt & Haley Patel

The day was a fantastic opportunity for students to witness everyday applications of chemical processes using equipment that cannot usually be accessed in a school laboratory.  Students are now completing a depth study on the catchment area and treatment process.

The Year 12 Chemistry class would like to thank MidCoast Water for their time and very informative tour.  We would also like to thank Mrs Polson for accompanying the class for the day.  It was an interesting experience for us all and an insight into all the work that goes in to ensure our drinking water is safe.

James Collins
Year 12 Chemistry Teacher