Sewer System Education Module - DEP

Environmental Protection


Education

Resources for Educators


Sewer System Education Module

What happens to used water and grease once it goes down the drain? These interactive, multi-disciplinary, STEM lessons and activities, introduce students and educators to the hidden world of thousands of miles of pipes, hundreds of valves and regulators, and other infrastructure with the power to transport our drinking water and wastewater. These activities will also teach us how to properly dispose of certain household items, like grease and flushable wipes, to protect our pipes and environment.

If you would like to learn more about more education program and field trip opportunities, visit Education Programs and Field Trips. If you would like to learn more about the New York City Sewer System, visit Sewer System.

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Sewer System Background Information

Download the New York City Sewer System: A Teacher’s Guide and Classroom Resources Presentation

Download the New York City Sewer System Glossary

Learn about Trash It. Don”t Flush It.

Learn about our Wastewater Treatment System

Learn about Disposing of Grease at Home

Learn about the Safe Disposal of Harmful Products

Sewer System Lessons

Download an Interview with a DEP Employee

Download the I Spy Water Lesson

Download the NYC Water Cycle Rain Dance Lesson

Download the Wastewater Treatment Lesson

Sewer System Activities and Worksheets

Secrets of New York—The Sewers Video

Download the Secrets of New York: The Sewers Worksheet

More Activities

Download the Sewer Crossword Puzzle

Download the How Does Water Flow in New York City Activity

Download the Love Poems to Water Worksheet

Download the Neighborhood Water Features Activity

Download the Neighborhood Water Map Worksheet

Download the Sewer Sudoku Activity

Download the Wastewater Treatment Crossword Puzzle

Download the Water Use Calculation Activity

Additional Sewer System Resources

View the Public Service Announcement: Blue Man Group at Newtown Creek

Download the Water Front Alliance Harbor Literacy Points

Download Suggested Readings for the New York City Sewer System