The City of Springfield, City of Eugene, and Metropolitan Wastewater Management Commission (MWMC) are proud to offer the Clean Water University program to 5th grade classes in the Eugene-Springfield area free of charge.
2026-2027 School Year
Clean Water University 2026 will take place on October 13, 14, and 15. Teachers will be invited via email in late August to enter a lottery to ensure all 2-hour slots are filled in an equitable manner.
For questions or if you’re interested in learning more about Clean Water University, email mwmcpartners@springfield-or.gov or call 541-726-3684.
Lessons & Materials
Each of the lessons is outlined in detail in the 2025-2026 Clean Water University Teachers Guide, including an overview of the lesson with key learning outcomes, key words, teaching points, and procedures/materials. The Teachers’ Guide also includes details about the Incentive Program being offered this year for participating schools/classes.
Additionally, the videos, handouts, and other materials associated with each lesson are linked below under the corresponding header.
Lesson 1: One Water
Lesson 2: Water Cycle
Lesson 3: Drinking Water
Lesson 4: Stormwater
Lesson 5: Aquatic Macroinvertebrates
- CWU: Macroinvertebrates Video
- CWU Macros Guide
- Macroinvertebrates Overview Handout (one per student)
- Aquatic Life in our Local Waterways Coloring Book (one per student)
Lesson 6: Wastewater Treatment
- MWMC Wastewater Treatment Video
- Wastewater Treatment Process Maze, courtesy of Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Chicago (one per student)
- Wastewater Bingo Boards (one per student) and Questions & Answers Sheet
- Wastewater Wise Worksheet (one per student)
- MWMC Website
- BONUS MATERIAL: Wastewater Coloring Puzzle (one per student)
- BONUS MATERIAL: Virtual Field Trip to MWMC Wastewater Treatment Plant with Eugene School District 4J Librarian Amy Page
Lesson 7: Microorganisms
Lesson 8: Pollution Prevention
- MWMC Pollution Prevention Video
- Flush With Care Worksheet, courtesy of Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Chicago (one per student)
- Pollution Flashcards Activity
- MWMC’s Pollution Prevention webpage
Lesson 9: Sustainability
Lesson 10: Wrap-Up Jeopardy Game
Clean Water University Testimonials
“I thought at first that these weren’t important in life. But now that I know everything, it’s actually pretty exciting! I love CWU! Grade for CWU: A++ and so on!” –Kai, Thurston Elementary
“My favorite lesson was when we got to look at the aquatic macroinvertebrates. I know that mayfly larva have three tails and that they breath through their gills. Another thing I learned was that water needs to be clean for fish to breath.” –Ashley, Moffitt Elementary
