A TRIP to Werribee’s Western Treatment Plant proved an insightful outing for Pakenham East Probus Club members.

A coach-load of members made the trip to the plant on October 4, enjoying a guided tour of the sewerage plant.

The tour, which lasted one-and-a-half hours, included an explanation of how raw sewerage enters and leaves the plant. After being treated through a number of ponds, the sewerage enters the sea as pure water.

Some of the water is also used for watering market gardens. As the group was inspecting the treatment area, which spans 10,800 hectares, they saw a diver enter the murky pond to fix a leak.

They also saw that the plant’s lagoons, lakes and drains support a variety of birds and wildlife.

The day ended with lunch at the Mamborin Sensory Gardens.