World Water Day was celebrated on March 22 and as a way to recognize this day, all month long, residents and schools in Greater Sudbury have been invited to tour either the Drinking Water Treatment plant or the Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Officials say, over the last few years, hundreds of Greater Sudbury residents of all ages have taken part in a variety of tours to learn about the science behind the water we drink and how it is prepared and filtered.

These tours are free of charge and are available in English and French.

"The plant actually uses sodium chloride, which gets put together with chlorine to produce chlorine dioxide, and part of our treatment process, it's not something that a lot of plants use, but we use it quite effectively." said Chris Johnson, of City of Greater Sudbury.

City officials say school groups have also shown interest in these tours, and those leading the tours say it’s important for students understand the process.

Julie Friel is the manager of Sudbury’s water treatment.  

"All the steps that are taken and all the precautions to ensure that their water is safe and instill some trust in them when they open ups their tap, that everything is adhered to ministry wise." said Friel.

Some grade eight students from École Ste-Thérèse in Hanmer took a plant tour as part of their science curriculum.

"Pictures, diagrams, are all well and fine, but what better way for students to learn, than walk over the different parts of the water treatment plant?" said Andre Maillet, a Ste-Thérèse teacher.

After the students learned about the process, the students say they now have a better appreciation for the water they use on a daily basis.

The grade eight students that CTV News spoke to say it was an eye opening experience.

"I just learned about how important it is to keep our water safe, so we can drink it and use it for other uses,  like cleaning ourselves, and maybe watering plants, and other things like that." said student Shawn Corriveau.

"The most interesting part that I learned today, was all the chemicals that go into treating the water, and the entire process and how intricate it is." said student Katelyn Maurice,

Water treatment staff says upgrades are currently happening at the water facilities across the city and these tours will take place for one more week, until the end of the month of March.