Class Project: Agent H2O

This video was created by a team in the Fall 2010 Capstone class. It is a highly entertaining animated short video about how water moves from the Bull Run watershed to the tap.

Agent H2O Video

Class Project: Zombies

A short film about how Portland protects itself against zombie attacks.

Zombie Repellant

Class Project: Google Earth Tour

Google Earth Tour of the watershed and delivery system.

Take the Tour

Class Project: Farmers Market

Students hold water tasting event at Portland farmers market.

Water Tasting Event

Class Project: How Bull Run Got its Name

Students explain how the Bull Run watershed got its name.

Bull Run; the Name

Student Comments About the Class

Perhaps the best way to describe the impact this PSU course has had on the students is to share their experiences in their own words:

 

“I think the take home message I learned from this class that will stick with me is how insanely difficult it is to manage a public utility.... It seems to me that everyone should have this same understanding of what it takes to successfully run and manage a public utility.”

 

“Overall, I am walking away from the course with knowledge and experiences that I can use for my future.  I am looking to share my knowledge about the quality and source of our water in Portland with everyone that I know, and individuals who lack this information.“

 

“I learned so much about Portland's water that I would have never been able to learn if it weren't for this class.  At least now I won't take our water for granted and can once in a while say something about Portland's water when in a conversation with other people.  I really think this is a wonderful class and that every citizen and every person that lives in Portland should be interested in this topic or at least realize how important water is in our lives.”

 

“I look forward to sharing what I have learned with anyone who is willing to listen.  I now realize the importance of a good water delivery system and how important it is to educate the public.  I feel proud to live in an area with such a great water supply.  I will never look at my clean, cold, cheap and constant glass of refreshing water the same way again.”

 

“This class has been a unique experience that has been different from the majority of classes I have taken at Portland State.  The thing that made this class special was the personal interaction we got to have with the places we were learning about as well as the public servants at the Water Bureau who work on a daily basis to resolve problems in order to ensure Portlanders possess the best quality drinking water possible.”

 

“The course gave the opportunity to gain inside knowledge from a wide-ranging group of colorful, knowledgeable, and dedicated people at the Portland Water Bureau.  The chance to learn from and form relationships with such professionals is an experience that I will not soon forget.  It was a pleasure and an honor to gain and apply skills with fellow students that helped develop community outreach products for the Portland Water Bureau. The hands-on experience and community involvement was priceless.”

 

Video: How to Teach the Tap

Portland's Water

This Portland State University Capstone class is a good example of Teach the Tap efforts in Portland, Ore., focusing on the Bull Run watershed and the workings of the Portland Water Bureau. Students research the history of the water system, water quality, current issues, and other interesting topics. The class works with the Water Bureau to develop community outreach products.