Water Quality & Conservation

Green Schools Challenge Activities:

• Community Building (Pre-K through 1st grade) - Reefs in Danger

• Hands On Learning (2nd through 3rd grade) - Build an Aquifer

• Lab Activity (4th through 5th grade) - Water Warriors: Fighting Pollution

• Create Your Own (Pre-K through 5th grade) - Submit Lesson Plan here   or utilize a previous lesson created by DIG from our Lesson Library.

Schools can choose to do more than one activity but maximum amount of points a school can earn for this topic is the same. Points for participation will be based on a rubric. Download here.

Water Quality & Conservation Activity Submission Form Click Here

What's the problem?

In today’s society, water scarcity, pollution, and unequal access to drinkable water have all become big issues. Water is used frequently for unsustainable agriculture and industry, creating a large growth in the misuse of water. Water quality and availability are key factors for the environment, economy and quality of life in South Florida. 

Why should we care?

Aquifers are underground layers of water that act as a massive natural reservoir where water is filtrated. In Southeast Florida, the Biscayne Aquifer, which provides most of our drinking water, lacks a protective layer, making it more vulnerable to chemical contamination. The growing population of Florida risks reducing the freshwater in the aquifer faster than it can be recharged. As climate change occurs, sea levels rise, leading to freshwater becoming too saline for consumption (salt water intrusion), requiring costly solutions, negatively affecting low-income communities who already suffer from polluted water and health risks. 

What can we do?

Promoting sustainable practices, reducing pollution, and conserving water can be practiced to improve our water quality. As a community we can protect our water quality by applying different practices, like water-saving habits, preserving natural habitats, and mostly and most importantly educating and informing communities about water conservation. These actions can create and improve the safety of our water resources.