Sat 9/19 @ 9AM-4PM
Clean water is one of those things we take for granted —and we shouldn’t, especially with pollution and water use threats such as data centers on the horizon.
The annual Clean Water Fest hosted by the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District (NEORSD) gives community members the opportunity to learn more about how our water supply is being protected, while also enjoying a day of fun activities.
Gates open at 9am, and starting at 9:30, there are 45-minute tours of the Southerly Wastewater Treatment Plant, starting every 15 minutes. (Wear hard-soul closed-toe shoes if you plant to take the tour.) Lab tours start every half hour from 10am through 3pm. There are also two, two-hour bike tours that will take riders from the Environmental & Maintenance Services Center in Cuyahoga Heights to the Southerly Plant on a 5 ½ mile ride. This is for experienced riders 13 and over, and you must sign up in advance, HERE and HERE (1-3pm).
In addition, you can catch the Fab Lab Science Show in the Main Stage Tent and the Lake County Metroparks Animal Show in the Kids Zone Garage. The event also features information booths from local environmental and health-related organizations, the opportunity to meet comic book illustrator Miguel Hernandez and writer Joe Sieracki who created the Lake Erie League comic, with the second edition dropping at the festival, and even one of those popular “Touch a Truck” events where kids (and adults) can cozy up to working vehicles.
The Kids Zone offers event more activities including crafts, stick giveaways and free popcorn: getting them to start thinking about our water quality while they’re young is critical to the future of the environment.
There will also be a food truck, a free shuttle to and from the parking area all day, and gift bags for all who attend. The event is free and open to all.