Teaching Kids to Save Water

Conserving water in the future means teaching children today.

That’s why third- and fourth-graders from Miami-Dade County School will spend an entire day away from their classrooms, learning the significance of saving water for a non-rainy day. More than 1,800 South Florida students are expected to attend the third annual North Miami Beach WaterFest on Thursday, May 1, at the Greynolds Park Water Education Expo.

The event is part of ongoing water conservation and education initiatives targeted toward youth.

“It is especially important to educate our youth since they will be the custodians of our natural resources in the future,” noted Kelvin L. Baker, public services director, the City of North Miami Beach.

WaterFest will expose students to an assortment of watering-saving techniques, with educational presentations from the U.S. Coast Guard and other organizations. As part of the event, children will also attend a concert presented by the Earthman Project at the NMB Performing Arts Theater.

This annual event is just part of the North Miami Beach Public Services Department’s bold plan to include the community in water resource issues. The department also offers the Showerhead Exchange Program, various water education workshops, a bottled water program and a handful of other initiatives. And, consequently, North Miami Beach has been recognized for its water conservation efforts by the American Water Works Association, the Water Environment Federation and other prominent groups.

“The City of North Miami Beach Public Services Department is a model for other water utilities in South Florida for many reasons,” noted Irela Bague, SFWMD Governing Board. “NMB WaterFest is a shining example of North Miami Beach’s leadership in community water education.”

The author is Assistant Editor-Internet of Lawn & Landscape magazine and can be reached at aanderson@lawnandlandscape.com.