Clean Water Showcase draws hundreds for a splash of science and fun

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A water science experiment in the Educational Lab as part of the Clean Water Showcase event.

The Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District’s first-ever Clean Water Showcase event made waves on October 24–25 as part of the 2025 Wisconsin Science Festival. And it was a smashing hit!

More than 400 families and guests of all ages came to explore the fascinating world of water science through hands-on activities, games and tours at the District’s Nine Springs Wastewater Treatment plant in Madison. Visitors got an up-close look at how clean water is made and discovered simple ways we can all help protect our environment at home. Two event times (Friday afternoon or Saturday morning) gave guests the flexibility to drop in, and both sessions were buzzing with excitement, laughter, and learning.

Highlights included mini carnival-style games, water science experiments, horse-drawn carriage tours of the plant, a fish tank filled with effluent (our cleaned and treated water) and trunk-or-treating with District vehicles, all backed by live music from Madison’s own DJ AZZA. Guests also enjoyed seasonal treats such as apple cider donuts, popcorn, cookies, apple cider, hot chocolate and more. A major feature of the event was the grand re-opening of the Fish Room and Educational Lab, two beloved stops on the District’s plant tour that have been reimagined for a new generation of curious visitors.

The success of the showcase was made possible by the teamwork of more than 40 staff members across many departments. Staff from Facilities Maintenance, the Lab, Business Services, Pollution Prevention, Electrical, Communications, Engineering, IT, Safety, Ecosystem Services and the District Management Team all contributed to help create a memorable and educational experience for the community.

The Clean Water Showcase truly reflected the District’s goals of connecting the community with the science of water and inspiring everyone to help keep our shared waters clean.

Event Photos

A water science experiment in the Educational Lab as part of the Clean Water Showcase event.
A water science experiment in the Educational Lab as part of the Clean Water Showcase event.
A water science experiment in the Educational Lab as part of the Clean Water Showcase event.
Families having fun learning about effluent in the Fish Room as part of the Clean Water Showcase event.
Families having fun learning about effluent in the Fish Room as part of the Clean Water Showcase event.
Families having fun learning about effluent in the Fish Room as part of the Clean Water Showcase event.
Families having fun playing mini carnival games as part of the Clean Water Showcase event.
Families having fun playing mini carnival games as part of the Clean Water Showcase event.
Families having fun playing mini carnival games as part of the Clean Water Showcase event.
Families having fun playing mini carnival games as part of the Clean Water Showcase event.
Families having fun playing mini carnival games as part of the Clean Water Showcase event.
Families having fun playing mini carnival games as part of the Clean Water Showcase event.
Families having fun learning about wastewater treatment as part of the Clean Water Showcase event.
Families having fun learning about wastewater treatment as part of the Clean Water Showcase event.
A Metrogro terragator on display as part of the Clean Water Showcase event.
Families having fun taking a tour of the plant as part of the Clean Water Showcase event.
Families having fun taking a tour of the plant as part of the Clean Water Showcase event.
Families having fun taking a tour of the plant as part of the Clean Water Showcase event.

Quick facts:

  • 400+ attendees
  • 40+ staff volunteers
  • 25 horse-drawn tours
  • 33 batches of popcorn
  • 20 dozen donuts
  • 6 gallons of apple cider
  • 4 gallons of hot chocolate
  • Countless smiles