05/19/2026
We’ve all done some reading in the bathroom before… but probably not like this!
Last week Thursday, Spencer, Sonali, and Frankie attended the Learning Lavatories event at the new Madison Public Market—a creative collaboration between the Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District, the Madison Public Market Foundation, the City of Madison, Wisconsin Government, and Art & Sons—ahead of it's grand opening on July 23.
These one-of-a-kind spaces use playful art and interactive design to spark curiosity about water, wastewater, and the systems that help protect public health and our environment. From the microbes that help clean wastewater to careers in the industry, proper chemical disposal, water systems, and even the impact of leaves on wastewater, every detail was designed to make learning fun and accessible. We also got a firsthand look at the rainwater capture system that will help flush toilets at the Market another example of sustainability in action.
It was nice to see our partners at the Madison Metropolitan Sewerage District highlighting the importance of water stewardship and environmental education in such a creative, community-centered space. Through our work together in the Efficiency Navigator program, we’ve seen firsthand how education and small infrastructure improvements — like optimizing or replacing outdated water softeners — can help reduce salt pollution and protect our waterways.
This is such a creative and thoughtful way to connect the community with the important work happening behind the scenes every day.
