Three Rivers Filtration Plant Tour — Fort Wayne, Indiana

Discover the Three Rivers Filtration Plant Tour in Indiana

Learn how Fort Wayne transforms river water into safe, clean drinking water during a behind-the-scenes tour of the Three Rivers Filtration Plant. This essential public-utility tour reveals the science, engineering, and infrastructure behind the water that serves more than 300,000 residents across northeast Indiana.
Why it’s special:
The plant offers a rare opportunity to see a fully operational municipal water-treatment system—from river intake to finished drinking water—inside a landmark facility that has supplied the city for nearly a century.

History/Story of the Three Rivers Filtration Plant

Completed in 1933, the Three Rivers Filtration Plant was built as a monumental public-works achievement during a period of modernization and population growth in Fort Wayne. Over the decades, the facility has been expanded and upgraded with state-of-the-art filtration, disinfection, and monitoring technology, making it one of the most reliable municipal water systems in the Midwest.

What You’ll See & Do at the Filtration Plant Tour

• Visit the river intake structure where raw water first enters the system

• Walk the treatment floors to see sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection equipment

• Learn how chemical dosing, pH balancing, and water-quality adjustments work

• Tour the control room where operators monitor pressure, flow, and safety metrics 24/7

• Explore labs where certified technicians test water samples for purity and contaminants

• View the plant’s historic architecture and engineering features

Hands-On Elements: Water-quality comparison displays, interactive treatment demonstrations, lab viewing.
Photo/Video Policy: Photos allowed in approved areas only; no photography of sensitive equipment.
Souvenirs & Extras: Educational materials, water-quality reports, and informational brochures.

Pricing of the Three Rivers Filtration Plant Tour

• Public Tour: Free

• Offered during special events such as Be a Tourist in Your Own Hometown

• Group tours available by reservation

Practical Info for Visiting the Filtration Plant

Duration: 45–60 minutes
Format: Guided walking tour
Schedule & Seasonality: Limited public tours; offered on select dates or by group request
Working Hours: Typically Monday–Friday 8:00 AM–4:00 PM for business operations (tour times vary)
Audience: Students, families, engineers, civic groups, environmentally minded visitors
Accessibility: Main areas accessible; some mechanical rooms require stair use
Safety & Restrictions:

• No open-toe shoes

• Stay with guide at all times

• Certain rooms may be off-limits due to security protocols
  Languages: English
  Group & School Visits: Schools and STEM groups frequently book educational tours
  What to Bring/Wear: Closed-toe shoes, comfortable clothing
  Facilities: Visitor check-in area, restrooms, parking
  Closures & Downtime: Tours may be restricted during maintenance or emergency operations

Nearby

• Promenade Park – riverfront trail system

• Science Central – hands-on science museum

• Historic Old Fort – reconstructed frontier fort

FAQs About Visiting the Three Rivers Filtration Plant

Will I see water actually being treated?
Yes—tours typically pass by active filtration basins and treatment systems operating in real time.

Is this tour appropriate for young children?
Older children and teens enjoy it most; younger kids may find the machinery loud or technical.

Can I taste the water on-site?
While drinking fountains are available, tastings from the treatment process itself are not permitted.

Is this tour indoors or outdoors?
Mostly indoors, though some intake or pumping areas may require short outdoor walks.

Do I need a reservation?
Yes—public access is limited to special tour days or pre-arranged group visits.