Central San Academy
Join us at our annual citizens' academy, where we welcome you into our world of wastewater, environmental protection, and more!

Overview

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 2025 Central San Academy session will be held over four consecutive Wednesday evenings from May 21 to June 11 from 6:00-8:30 p.m. To fully benefit from the program, participants are expected to attend all four sessions. Because classes are held in the evenings, we serve a light meal to thank you for spending your valuable time with us. 

Academy participants will be invited to a full tour of our facilities, which typically lasts from 9 am to 2 pm. Alternatively, participants may choose to join one of our quarterly public tours of just the treatment plant, typically held in the late afternoon. We also offer public bike tours, which our Academy participants are encouraged to attend. Registration for the public tours currently on offer can be found at centralsan.org/tours.

WHERE ARE THE CLASSES?

The Wednesday evening classes will be held at our Collection System Operations Facility at 1250 Springbrook Road in Walnut Creek. Our daytime facilities tour will be held at our plant campus at 5019 Imhoff Place 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?

We are now accepting applications for our 2025 session – our eighth time hosting this wonderful program! Please fill out the online application form linked here. We will be in touch via email in the spring to confirm your attendance. The application period will close on May 14.

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.