North Kent News

From February 16, 2023

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Families can learn about the water they drink and potential careers through hands-on activities during two upcoming ‘Water Pool-ooza' events February 25 and March 11. The program, sponsored by the City of Grand Rapids and Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) and funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, is designed for fourth- through 12th-graders and their families.

Water Pool-ooza events are free to attend:

Saturday, Feb. 25 • 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.Lake Michigan Filtration Plant17350 Lake Michigan Drive

Participants can follow the journey drinking water takes to reach their faucet. Water professionals will guide them through the treatment process with interactive activities to learn more about drinking water and about careers in the water industry.

Saturday, March 11 • 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.GRCC’s Tassell M-TEC622 Godfrey Ave. SW.

Participants can learn more about water sustainability, conservation and careers through activities led by nonprofit and community partners. City staff will lead demonstrations and water professionals will share their roles within the water industry.

“Water Pool-ooza will provide students with hands-on activities, taught by water professionals, community partners and nonprofits, that are designed to expose them to a variety of water-related issues and careers,” said Hillary Caron, water education & programs coordinator with Grand Rapids’ Water System.“Water Pool-ooza will educate school students about the importance and beauty of the water around us and how it impacts our daily lives,” she said. “They will learn about diverse topics related to our water resources and begin to understand their role as water stewards and champions.”

The City also partners with GRCC in administering Water & Wastewater Treatment Programs and a Public Works Academy training program for jobs related to municipal water, wastewater treatment, public works, clean energy and river restoration projects.

Water Pool-ooza participants include:

• Community Partners hosting water activities:
• City of Grand Rapids
• Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds
• City of Wyoming
• Kent County Parks
• Michigan Department of Health & Human Services
• West Michigan Environmental Action Council
• Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy
• Michigan American Water Works Association
• Michigan Water Environmental Association

Speakers from the water industry:

• Fishbeck
• Lower Grand River Organization of Watersheds
• Kent County Drain Commission
• Michigan Department of Health & Human Services
• City of Wyoming
• City of South Haven
• City of Grand Rapids
• EJ
• Michigan American Water Works Association
• Michigan Water Environment Association
• Bay College
• Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy

Sponsors:

• Infrastructure Alternatives Inc.
• Fishbeck

Original source can be found here.