Where does the water go when I flush the toilet?

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When you flush the toilet, wash your hands, or take a bath, you see some water disappear down a drain. The water that goes down our pipes enters sewers or septic tanks, where it is kept with other dirty “wastewater.”

Because this water is unhealthy, we keep it in this separate place where it’s away from us and our fresh drinking water. Eventually, the water in the sewer or septic tank is sent to a “water treatment plant,” where it is cleaned and treated in a special way so the unhealthy parts are removed. Then, when the water is clean again, it’s ready to be released back into the environment!

Don’t forget that even though the water which goes down the drain can be cleaned and released back into the environment, it’s never a good idea to waste water. If you think flushing is a lot of fun, wait until you’ve used the potty before pushing the flush so you can be Water Wise!

Be a water wizard!

Even though out planet is covered in water, did you know that less than 3% of it is freshwater that’s drinkable? That’s why it’s always important to avoid sending unnecessary water down the drain!

What are some things you can do to save water? For example, showers use up much less water than baths, so choosing a shower whenever possible is one great idea! You can also help your family avoid doing laundry until you have a full load. It takes about 50 gallons of water to run the washing machine, so make sure you clean as many clothes as possible each time!