Two representatives of the Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA) visited the South Mountain Resource Centre last week to offer an education program called “OneWater” to local youth. These workshops are designed to engage students in water literacy and awareness by helping them discover the way their choices can impact our wastewater systems and our environment. The workshops feature hands-on learning opportunities, with a presentation introducing students to the water cycle and the water and wastewater treatment processes, as well as how to make smart choices about what goes down our pipes.
The presentation on May 22 in South Mountain was provided by Tom, who is an engineer/operator with OCWA, and Angela, who another of OCWA’s operators. OneWater is a free educational program that is geared toward grade 8 classes, complementing the Ontario curriculum by teaching about the water cycle. Tom explained that the May 22 presentation included homeschooled students from a wider range of ages participating, and that it went very well.
The OCWA released their refreshed, curriculum connected OneWater program province-wide for the 2023-2024 school year. Normally, the program is delivered right in the classroom upon invitation from grade 8 teachers throughout Ontario.
“Have students discover the power of their choices when it comes to impacting our wastewater systems and our environment through hands-on learning,” reads promotional material for the program. “Our expert OCWA water and wastewater operators will go over the do’s and don’ts when it comes to flushing, and actionable steps they can take to protect our water.”
To date, more than 3,000 students from more than 50 schools across Ontario have participated in the OneWater program! “Our respondents from past workshops have given us positive feedback about their satisfaction, and teachers have emphasized the informative and engaging content, enthusiastic and encouraging presenters, and strong ties to the curriculum,” Tom added. “We’ve been working hard over the last few years to update the program and are excited for students to experience the refreshed content.”
The OCWA is a provincial Crown Agency that reports through the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. The agency is a trusted leader in water for over 300 communities across Ontario, believing in “our communities, our environment and our people”. The OCWA is committed to building healthy, sustainable communities each day through their water and wastewater services.
For more information on the OneWater program, please visit: https://www.ocwa.com/community/onewater-education-program