Children's Water Festivals

One of the exciting events that the Water Systems Council presents yearly is the Children's Water Festival. As part of our educational outreach, the Water Systems Council holds a Children's Water Festival in a different state each year, the intent being to teach students about the importance of their water resources.

So far, the Water Systems Council has held Children's Water Festivals in six states: Delaware, Maryland, Georgia, North Carolina, New York, and Pennsylvania.

Watch these videos to learn more about festivals!
Festival Video - 13:10 minutes
Festival Trailer - 4:55 minutes

Festivals are usually held on community college campuses. Approximately 1,500 students - generally 4th and 5th grade - and their teachers and chaperones from the surrounding school districts are invited to attend. The festival provides each class 4 1/2 hours of activities in 25 minute blocks on a variety of water topics including drinking water, groundwater, watersheds, surface water, and water quality and conservation. Students learn through dynamic and interactive activities and gain a better understanding of their water supply and a greater appreciation for what a truly precious resource it is!

Activities are led by water and natural resource experts from local, state, and national organizations. These activities are held both inside in college classrooms and outdoors under large tents. Also, pre and post water festival activities are provided to participating teachers for use in their classrooms.

One example of an activity is Edible Aquifers. This indoor activity teaches children about the geologic formations in an aquifer. Students construct confining layers, contamination, recharge, discharge, and water tables out of ice cream, soda, sprinkles, and other tasty treats. Understandably, this is the one of the favorite activities at the festival!

The festival is offered at NO COST to the participating schools. Today many school districts are financially strapped and have cut field trips as a way to trim their budgets. It is very exciting that, with the financial support of the Water Systems Council and festival sponsors, this educational experience is offered to students and their teachers free to all. Even the cost of their transportation can be covered.

The Children's Water Festival is a memorable experience for both participants and organizers alike! We are currently making plans for future festivals and would like to hear from you if you want more information. You may email us at wsc@waterystemscouncil.org or call 202-625-4387.