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Fairfield-Suisun Water Resilience Program

The Fairfield-Suisun Water Resilience Program is funded by the Fairfield-Suisun Sewer District (FSSD) as part of their ongoing outreach to the community. Together, we work with 5th grade students from Fairfield and Suisun City to help them grow beyond the basic "source to sink" understanding of water use. Students learn about our water infrastructure, especially our wastewater treatment system, and why it is so vitally important to both human communities and local ecosystems. Participants also conduct a community engagement meeting and evaluate proposed local actions for how they might increase resilience in the face of climate change.

  • The aeration basins are always an interesting stop on the field trip tour of the treatment plant.

    The aeration basins are always an interesting stop on the field trip tour of the treatment plant.

  • Crystal Middle School students vote on FSSD’s pond basin plans during a community engagement activity

    Crystal Middle School students vote on FSSD’s pond basin plans during a community engagement activity

  • Meg Herston, FSSD Env. Services Dir., leads students on a treatment plant tour.

    Meg Herston, FSSD Env. Services Dir., leads students on a treatment plant tour.

  • Planting native species on the FSSD campus was a popular part of the field trip with students.

    Planting native species on the FSSD campus was a popular part of the field trip with students.

  • Students at Green Valley explore a water treatment model infrastructure during their pre-lesson.

    Students at Green Valley explore a water treatment model infrastructure during their pre-lesson.

  • Public Safety Academy students share views on proposed environmental projects at the treatment plant.

    Public Safety Academy students share views on proposed environmental projects at the treatment plant.

  • Stephanie Stock, Solano RCD, facilitates a community engagement meeting with participating youth.

    Stephanie Stock, Solano RCD, facilitates a community engagement meeting with participating youth.

  • Meg Herston, FSSD Env. Services Dir., shows students the sampling station on a wastewater plant tour

    Meg Herston, FSSD Env. Services Dir., shows students the sampling station on a wastewater plant tour

    Program Goal

    All participating 5th grade students will gain an understanding of the path of wastewater from their community to the Suisun Marsh and the role and purpose of FSSD in protecting this sensitive ecosystem by treating wastewater. Students will be introduced to ways that infrastructure can support climate resiliency and gain civic engagement experience as they evaluate proposals and share their opinions about next steps at FSSD and in their communities.

    Through participation in the program, students will be able to:

    • Understand the path of water from source through use, treatment, and outflow into Suisun Marsh
    • Describe key wastewater treatment processes undertaken by FSSD at the treatment plant
    • Evaluate proposed restoration projects based on impact on the community and ecosystem
    • Identify vulnerabilities to the effects of climate change in their communities and communicate informed thoughts on resiliency measures

      Program Overview

      Students participate in an interactive pre-lesson in their classroom to learn why water treatment is necessary and where in the cycle of human water use it occurs. They are also introduced to some of the basic wastewater treatment processes to be well-prepared for a field trip to the Fairfield-Suisun Sewer District wastewater treatment plant.

      On the field trip, students experience a full tour to learn more about the treatment process. They also participate in a community engagement meeting after learning about proposals for infrastructure projects at FSSD and in the community, and have a chance to share their opinions and vote on which should be given priority. Program participants also join in on a habitat restoration project facilitated by Solano RCD’s restoration team and have a chance to plant native species benefitting pollinators in areas once dominated by iceplant.

      Following the field trip, Solano RCD staff wrap up the program in the classroom. Students evaluate some local effects of sea level rise as well as proposed solutions to increase community climate resilience. They test how some of their ideas might play out with a lively game, and discuss how their understanding changed before reflecting on what strategies they hope their community will utilize and giving their feedback.

      The 2026-27 program will run during February and March of 2027. If your Fairfield or Suisun City 5th grade team is interested in participating, please fill out the       interest form to find out what space is still available. If you have questions or would like mor information, please contact Program Manager Stephanie Stock at .

      NGSS Connections

      NGSS

      Social Emotional Learning Connections

      Participating students will develop their skills in multiple SEL competencies. Relationship skills including active listening and direct communication will be practiced during small-group discussions throughout the program. The community engagement meeting is an ideal opportunity to develop responsible decision-making skills such as identifying solutions to promote community well-being and making reasoned judgments after analyzing information.