Science Meets History: Exploring "Redwood Tea"
During their tour of the co-located Mesa Water Reliability Facility (MWRF), students got a firsthand view of modern water treatment technology. They learned that deep beneath Costa Mesa, wells pump naturally amber-tinted water—affectionately nicknamed “redwood tea”—which owes its color to ancient redwood forests buried over 30,000 years ago.
Staff demonstrated how state-of-the-art nanofiltration technology removes the amber tint and purifies the water, transforming this ancient natural resource into clean, high-quality drinking water for the community.
Living Connections and Water-Wise Gardens
The learning extended outdoors into MWECC's living laboratory. Students walked through a grove of redwood trees planted as a tribute to Southern California's prehistoric landscape, creating a tangible connection between the trees above ground and the ancient aquifer below.
To wrap up their trip, the 5th graders explored the outdoor demonstration garden filled with drought-tolerant, water-wise plants suited for Southern California’s climate. Students gained valuable insights into how thoughtful landscaping and conservation practices protect precious regional resources. It was an inspiring day of discovery, connecting 5th-grade science concepts to real-world career paths and environmental stewardship right in FVSD's own backyard!