Ever wonder what happens to water when it goes down the drain? The Central San Citizens Academy (Central San Academy) provides an award-winning, behind-the-scenes look at one of your community’s core services: wastewater treatment.

Participants in Central San Academy learn about almost everything we do, including how we use engineering, chemistry and technology to turn waste into worth by cleaning our community’s water and returning it to our customers as recycled water. The curriculum includes classroom learning, group activities, live demos, and a tour of our treatment plant, laboratory, recycled water fill station, and household hazardous waste collection facility. You do not need to know anything about wastewater to attend!

This award-winning program is offered FREE of charge to participants. It is a rare glimpse into how used water gains new life.

Join us to find out more about the other side of water, and find out what our past graduates are talking about when they say…

“Thank you for continuing this class. I wish all the utilities did this.”

“What a fabulous experience this has been. Thank you so very much for the opportunity to learn, meet nice people, and have fun!!”

“The Central San Academy was terrific and far exceeded my expectations. I can’t believe how quickly the weeks went by.”

“After the first class, I found myself looking forward to Tuesday evenings. The efforts and hard work and preparation showed up from the beginning and was well done. It was a class that was done with class.”

When is Central San Academy?

Our summer 2024 session is underway. Our next session will be held in 2025. Typically, we hold our classes over four to six consecutive Tuesday evenings from 6:00-8:30 p.m., plus a comprehensive daytime tour of our facilities. Because classes are held in the evenings, we serve a light meal to thank you for spending your valuable time with us.

WHERE ARE THE CLASSES?

To be determined. Typically, the academy is held at our campus in Martinez.

Why should you join us?

If you take an interest in the activities of your local government agencies, have considered employment in the wastewater industry, are curious to meet active members of your community, or just want to expand your general knowledge, we welcome you to our world. 

is there a minimum age to attend?

If you are under 18, you may attend with a signed permission slip from a parent or guardian. Please note in your application if you are under 18 so we may send you the form to be signed. We encourage our younger customers to check out our Student Education programs and Externship Program.

HOW DO I APPLY?

For now, please fill out and submit this online form to be added to our mailing list. We will contact you via e-mail when we announce our 2025 session, and ask you to fill out a separate application at that time. If you do not hear from us in the spring and are unsure if we have your contact info on file, please feel free to check with academy@centralsan.org.

For more information, please view our informational brochure.

If you have any additional questions, feel free to contact us at academy@centralsan.org.

NOTE: In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and state law, we offer this course in a manner that is readily accessible to everyone, including those with disabilities. If you are disabled and require special accommodations to participate, please contact academy@centralsan.org or call 925-229-7390.