Educational Outreach Programs
Tucson Water's Educational Outreach Program is aimed at promoting water conservation through a variety of interactive methods. All of our programs are free of charge. For additional information and for scheduling the following presentations and tours, call the Tucson Water Public Information Office at (520) 791-4331.
Classroom Presentations
Ground Water Flow Model Presentations
These interactive presentations provide an overview of the status of our aquifer in preparation for guided tours. Topics include groundwater storage and production, contamination and cleanup. Presentations can be tailored to classroom settings, field environments, or community events. To book a Ground Water Flow Model presentation, call the Public Information Office at (520) 791-4331.
Da Drops and Dr. Faucet
Da Drops is a three-part water education program specifically designed for 1st — 3rd grade students. It focuses on the water cycle, water supply and water conservation in the Tucson Basin. Students complete three pre-visit activities and then participate in a lively, one-hour hands-on presentation conducted in the classroom. Students are given a small cup to use for brushing their teeth and saving water at home. The final aspect of the program is a booklet of exciting activities to reinforce students' newly acquired understandings of conservation. Download pre-visit activities and schedule on-line at http://www.outreach-scheduling.org or call Environmental Education Exchange at (520) 670-1442.
Our Water, Our Future
This three-part interdisciplinary program is for 4th and 5th grade students. It addresses the following concepts: the water cycle, water supply, water quality, water use and water conservation. It includes three pre-visit classroom lessons, one post-visit lesson, and an interactive one-hour on-site presentation conducted in the classroom. Students are given five-minute shower timers to encourage them to use water more consciously. Download the pre-visit lessons and schedule a classroom visit at http://www.outreach-scheduling.org or contact Environmental Education Exchange at (520) 670-1442.
Tucson Toolkit
This five-lesson water education curriculum is designed for middle school students (6th, 7th and 8th grade). It focuses on the water cycle, water supply, water usage, environmental concerns, and water conservation. The curriculum has been specifically adapted to fit into local science classes. Teachers in the Tucson area can request free student workbooks, shower timers and flow rate bags. Students take home a shower flow kit to measure the flow rate of their own showerhead. Students who report high flow rates will receive a free-water-saving showerhead. Download the Teacher's Guide at http://www.outreach-scheduling.org or contact Environmental Education Exchange for additional information or samples of student materials at (520) 670-1442.
Guided Tours
In order to promote more complete understanding of important water issues, and the methods used by Tucson Water to meet the water needs of our community, the Utility offers guided tours of several of its facilities. To schedule a tour, please contact Tucson Water's Public Information Office at (520) 791-4331. (Tours are subject to cancellation)
Reclaimed Water Treatment Plant
Tours guide you through the process of recycling wastewater for reuse as irrigation water for parks, schoolyards, golf courses and other facilities. Participants view the filtration, disinfection and pumping facilities involved in creating and distributing reclaimed water.
Sweetwater Wetlands
This multi-purpose facility is designed to treat backwash water from our filtering system at the Reclaimed Treatment Plant. The wetlands provide an area for wildlife and riparian restoration within our desert area. Visitors learn about ecology and water resource management as they observe various migratory bird species. This facility is also designed for self-guided tours and is open to the public every day from dawn to dusk except Monday mornings.
Clearwater Recharge Basins
Visitors travel to the Central Avra Valley Storage and Recovery Project where Colorado River water is recharged through eleven constructed basins to blend with the native groundwater below. Guests also visit the pumping station, hydropneumatic tanks and pipeline that delivers the water to our community.
Hayden-Udall Treatment Plant
Tour participants visit Tucson Water's primary water treatment facility, including the ozonation building, flocculation basins, filtration areas and chlorination facility. The plant also is the site of the Utility's state-of-the-art Water Quality laboratory.
Tucson Airport Remediation Project (TARP)
This facility is designed to remove trichloroethylene (TCE) from an area of contaminated groundwater near the Tucson International Airport. Visitors learn about the air-stripping process used to remove this volatile compound from the contaminated groundwater.
Teacher Training
The Summer Teacher Internship
A paid internship program, this two-week course introduces middle and high school teachers to water resources management issues facing the community and provides opportunities to interact with utility staff in an educational setting. The internship promotes water-related learning opportunities for all curriculum areas. Graduates will develop water-related projects within classrooms during the school year. For more information about this opportunity, contact Tucson Water's Public Information Office at (520) 791-4331.
Project WET
Project WET (Water Education for Teachers) is an opportunity to learn about Arizona's water resources by participating in fun, interactive, classroom-ready activities. The activities, developed and tested by teachers, are designed to develop critical thinking and build an understanding of concepts by experiential learning. Activities cover the properties of water, the water cycle, watersheds, groundwater, water quality, water rights, as well as an understanding of the importance of water to all water users. To attend the next Tucson Water sponsored workshop, contact Project WET Coordinator, Kerry Schwartz at (520) 792-9591 ext. 22.
Pete's Appearances
Pete the Beak, Tucson Water's Water Conservation Duck Mascot, is available for appearances at selected community events. To schedule Pete, call Tucson Water's Public Information Office at (520) 791-4331.
