Water Resources Leadership Program

The Water Resources Leadership Program engages youth in managing water resources by assessing and enhancing their school’s water use and conservation efforts.

Program Overview

This 15-session program introduces students to water use globally and locally at their school site, while also developing hands-on skills for future careers in the water resource management industry. Students learn about the types and systems of water, audit school water use and efficiency, analyze data to design water use reduction strategies, and create a Water Resources Management Plan to reduce consumption and improve efficiency. Learn more about the skills students learn, the projects they accomplish, and the reports they produce by the end of the program:

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Phases

Part 1: The World of Water
  • An overview of water on earth and the types of water: potable, stormwater, reclaimed and wastewater
  • An introduction to water regulations and the agencies that store, treat, and deliver our water
  • An overview of global water problems including access rights, pollution, droughts, and flooding
  • An exploration of novel solutions such as reclaimed water, desalination, and recycled water programs
  • An exploration of the hidden water infrastructure at school
  • An understanding of potable water metering and a hands-on audit of flow meter efficiency
  • A comparison of cost, content, and taste of tap water vs. bottled water
  • An understanding of the path wastewater takes from school site to treatment plant, the treatment process, school irrigation efficiency, and runoff pollution

After analyzing the data collected from water use audits, students work together to design solutions for reducing runoff pollution including structural solutions and peer messaging campaigns. Then, the young leaders prepare and present publicly their final recommendations in a Water Resource Management Plan for the school site.

Program Benefits

Integration

Hands-on project-based learning that easily integrates into curriculum and aligns with NGSS standards

Connection

Connects students with community through public outreach

Career Exposure

Exposes students to career pathways including municipal public works, water agencies, and environmental engineering firms

Technical Skills

Develops critical data analysis and engineering design skills

Passion and Confidence

Develops passion for environmental leadership as well as confidence in public speaking

Experience

Builds experiences and skills for resumes and applications

Program Features

Comprehensive educational materials customized for the local watershed, school site, teacher, and experience level of students

Digital files customized with information from local agencies, along with water systems and local environmental concerns

Continued 1:1 teacher consultation with certified water quality expert

Includes all necessary equipment for school site water testing, with personal protective equipment for class

Final report development materials and presentation planning