This past Saturday morning, dozens of U.S. Army Reserve soldiers took a deep dive into an essential but often overlooked part of everyday life: wastewater treatment. They toured the Seneca Wastewater Treatment Plant in Eagan, where an average of 34 million gallons of water are treated daily, serving over 250,000 Minnesotans.

“This is definitely critical infrastructure,” said Dave Gardner of the Seneca Plant. “We put mother nature on fast forward.” The visit provided the troops with a hands-on understanding of the plant’s processes, highlighting the importance of protecting such facilities in crisis situations.

Battalion Commander Dale Kooyenga emphasized the significance of these tours, noting, “Sometimes, the basics we take for granted in America aren’t so basic in areas of conflict. If you don’t have a secure water situation, it can lead to disease and unrest.”

This experience, and the connections formed during the tour, could prove invaluable in future missions, whether on home soil or overseas.

To see more from the tour and learn about the plant’s critical role, watch the video here.