Toilets, sinks, dishwashers, bathtubs, and laundry washers — there are plenty of ways you use water at home every day. Do you wonder what happens to that water after you send it down the drain? Eventually, Washington County’s water ends up back in the Tualatin River, but it goes through quite a process to get there.
Explore our virtual treatment process or get a firsthand look at how we clean used water from homes and businesses to nearly drinking water standards.
Public Tours
Join us for a free, behind-the-scenes tour of our Durham Water Resource Recovery Facility in Tigard or Rock Creek Water Resource Recovery Facility in Hillsboro. It’s a rare opportunity to see the inner workings of these state-of-the art facilities.
Tours are on foot and cover uneven surfaces, stairs, and tunnels. Be prepared to walk one mile, wear closed-toe shoes, and dress for the weather. Tours are appropriate for children 8 years and older with an adult.
Durham Tours – Reserve Your Spot
- Saturday, May 16, 10 – 11:30 am
- Friday, June 12, 2:00 – 3:30 pm
- Wednesday, July 8, 10 – 11:30 am
Rock Creek Tours – Reserve Your Spot
- Saturday, June 6, 1 – 2:30 pm
- Wednesday, July 15, 10 – 11:30 am
- Saturday, August 8, 10 – 11:30 am
School and Community Group Tours
Submit this online form to request a tour for your group of 10 or more.
- Tour times are Tuesday – Thursday, 9:30 – 11:30 am and 1 – 3 pm.
- Tours are available at our Durham (Tigard), Rock Creek (Hillsboro), or Forest Grove facilities.
- Tours last 90 minutes.
- Group size is 10 – 30 people.
- Tours are on foot and cover uneven surfaces, stairs, and tunnels. Please dress for the weather and wear closed-toe shoes.
- Tours are suitable for grades 4 and up. School groups, please bring one chaperone per 10 students.
- Learn about our student education programs.