SNWA Web site targets youth

Focus is on building conservation habits

The best way to develop good habits is to develop them when a person is young. The Southern Nevada Water Authority recently launched a Web site filled with age-appropriate water conservation tips and other information.

The site, www.h2ouniversity.org, serves as an educational tool that the SNWA previously offered in the form of printed materials to teachers, students and parents in the Clark County School District.

"Back in 1998, I was here to develop educational programs with the idea that the younger we can educate people about water conservation, the more prone they are to practice water conservation as adults," said Hilarie Robison, education coordinator for the water authority. "We teach them the conservation ethic. Recently we've translated those materials into a Web site utilizing the technology that's available."

The site offers animated demonstrations of different aspects of the water treatment process, as well as delivery and information about the Las Vegas Wash and other local water sites. Robison said it also offers 12 to 15 videos that can be viewed on a home computer.

"One of my favorites is one that shows the water treatment process in kid-friendly terms," she said. "It also shows how our water is continually tested in accordance with Nevada standards before reaching the homes."

In addition to being informative to those who want to know some Nevada water history and the best ways to conserve, the site acts as a resource for kids who might want to explore water usage even further.

"If students were doing a science project, for example, there's some great resources there such as water terms and other information," Robison said. In addition, there's a parent/teacher lounge that talks about programs the SNWA offers, and instructors can submit a form for field trips. The site also lists a variety of field trip locations and links to specific curriculums so teachers can know what trips fulfill state requirements.

Robison said there are many misconceptions about water conservation that are held by adults. She hopes the new site will clear those up, as well as educate younger generations about what really matters in terms of conserving water resources.

"The ultimate goal is to change behaviors and develop attitudes, which will in turn change behaviors," Robison said. "We certainly have varying degrees of commitment (to water conservation). One of the misconceptions is the indoor versus outdoor conservation. It's a lot easier to turn off water when you brush your teeth, but as much as 90 percent of water is used outdoors on the landscape."


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