When New Yorkers shower or flush their toilet, where exactly does the water go? Find out on a behind-the-scenes tour of Owls Head, one of the city’s 14 Wastewater Resource Recovery Facilities (WRRFs) with the NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

The Owls Head WRRF has operated in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn since 1952. The facility serves almost 800,000 Brooklyn residents and processes 120 million gallons of wastewater on a typical day. At Owls Head and the city’s other WRRFs, wastewater undergoes five major processes of treatment, closely mimicking how wetlands, rivers, and lakes naturally purify water.

On this tour, hosted by Plant Chief Jagat “Yogi” Kemraj, visitors will learn how DEP processes over a billion gallons of wastewater a day, turning it into clean water and renewable resources. Visitors will follow the flow of wastewater through the treatment process, learning about the biological processes at work, and taking in world-class views of New York Harbor—the very same body of water that the Owls Head WRRF protects.

The facility is not wheelchair accessible. Visitors will be standing and walking for the duration of the tour, and cover an area of about 8 city blocks.

This is a hard hat tour of an active plant. Closed-toe shoes are required. Dress for the weather—a portion of the tour will take place outdoors. Large bags and cameras are not allowed. Hard hats and vests will be provided on-site.

No photography allowed onsite.

A signed waiver is mandatory to enter the site. Attendees must be 18 years of age or older to attend. Please bring a valid photo ID.