Water Awareness Committee Activities

Seminars and School Presentations

WAC members develop, fund and present programs for the community, students and water-industry members throughout Monterey County. Our efforts include seminars that address the needs and questions of water-supply companies and consumers.

Classroom Education

Classroom conservation and pollution prevention presentations designed specifically for each grade level. The committee provides appropriate educational materials, including activity books, curricula, workplans, magnets, stickers, and three-dimensional interactive displays for watershed and groundwater demonstrations.

Tours

MCWD Desalination Plant

For information on Marina Coast Water District Desalination Plant tours, call (831) 384-6131 (Rich Youngblood).

MRWPCA Tours

Monterey Regional Water Pollution Control Agency is an award-winning water recycling facility. Tours are available for adults only until further notice. For your enjoyment and safety, we've developed the following tour guidelines:

Tour Days
Tuesdays – Thursdays
By appointment (2 weeks in advance requested)
Start Times: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Duration: 1 – 1½ hours

Group Size
40 adult maximum (larger groups with 30-day notice)

Location
Just north of Marina, off Hwy 1, on the Del Monte Boulevard exit, near the landfill.

Attire
Comfortable, close-toed walking shoes, and a jacket.

Presentations
Recommended before civic group tours. Call Karen Harris: (831) 372-3367 or (831) 422-1001.

Tour Scheduling
Call Karen Harris: (831) 6454604-3367 or (831) 422-1001, ext. 604

(Please call 883-1118/424-1108 with any last-minute changes in tour size)

Water Experts

The committee has a list of water experts from various disciplines who are willing to speak to interested community groups. Their areas of expertise include these topics:

• Seawater intrusion and current water projects.
• Groundwater contamination and water-quality regulations.
• Water conservation for the 21st century.

Call (831) 646-4656 to arrange for speakers.

Publications

The Water Awareness Committee distributes various informational publications upon request and at school and community events.

In addition, the committee designs and publishes literature dealing with water topics specific to Monterey County. For example, we have produced the following:

• "What About Water," a 20-page workbook featuring the "Watahbug", a clever character who educates children in grades three through six about Monterey County's water supply. This free workbook is available to interested teachers in Monterey County.
• "My Watahbug Fun Book," helps educate children in grades three through six about Monterey County's water supply. Available on CD-ROM.
• "Water Is Life," a question and answer guidebook for Monterey County Water Users. Available in Adobe PDF format. Download or view online. English | Español
• "Retire Your Turf," a full-color brochure (PDF). See the Resources page for additional information.

Water Awareness Month Activities

The committee coordinates many events during May to celebrate Water Awareness Month:

• Water Management Workshops, which focus on thrifty, efficient water use in commercial, industrial and residential settings.
• Displays and programs at schools, libraries, fairs and community events.

Hospitality Business Assistance

The Water Awareness Committee has vinyl water conservation stickers available for restroom mirrors. Call to have them mailed or hand-delivered to your business.