What happens after you flush? In this episode of H2O and Beyond, we go deep inside the Stickney Water Reclamation Plant—the largest wastewater treatment facility on Earth—serving millions across Chicago every day. From massive aeration tanks to advanced biosolid recovery, we break down how this engineering marvel treats over 1.4 billion gallons of wastewater daily. With Stickney's large size, some interesting things have happened - like finding a family of possums and 100$ in the wastewater! There are also some interesting things that go on in their laboratory, such as using the temperature of sludge to heat and cool buildings!

Timestamps Below 👇

0:00 Intro

1:09 What is the Chicago Metropolitan Water Reclamation District?

2:51 How is wastewater treated at Stickney?

5:09 Interesting objects that have been found in the wastewater

6:06 (continued) How is wastewater treated at Stickney?

20:38 What is sludge, and how is it dealt with?

23:20 Toxins inside the sludge

30:25 Interesting jobs people have at the Stickney

30:50 Microbiologist called in to save dead bacteria?!

32:09 (continued) Interesting jobs at the Stickney

33:45 Interesting buildings/parts of Stickney

35:53 Effects of climate change on Stickney

43:17 Cool research at the Stickney laboratories

45:03 Using sludge to cool and heat buildings??

46:53 Closing Remarks

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