Education
IRWD has provided free water education programs to local students and adults since the mid-1970s — supporting learning activities in the classroom, online, and out in the community to build awareness about the importance of water, its many sources, and how to use it wisely.
For more information, contact us at info@IRWD.com or 949-453-5500.
- For schools
- For the community
- Online resources
- Other resources
- Just for kids
For schools and teachers
Information on what we offer for schools and teachers.
Free field trips and assemblies
Irvine Ranch Water District offers free STEM-based water education programming to local schools serving students in grades K-12. To speak with an IRWD representative about our programs, call 949-453-5500 or email info@IRWD.com.
Watershed education (grades 5-12)
We partner with Orange County Coastkeeper to provide classroom lessons with a field trip to a local watershed or IRWD’s San Joaquin Marsh, where upper-elementary, junior high and high school students will explore ecological concepts through hands-on learning — all at no cost to parents or teachers.
For more information, or to schedule an activity, school representatives can contact Cosette at cosette@coastkeeper.org.
Assemblies and field trips (grades K-4)
Our partnership with Discovery Cube Orange County provides free Next Generation Science Standards water education with grade-specific assemblies and field trips to the Cube’s Sea Lab exhibits, where young students can explore the ocean’s mysteries and learn how our actions affect marine life.
Teachers can browse and book free workshops, assemblies and field trips for their classes at discoverycube.org/orange-county/IRWD.
Online resources for students
For the community
Information on what we offer members of our community.
Community
Nature walks and programs
We also team up with Sea & Sage Audubon Society to support educational programs at the marsh, including community workshops, summer and day camps, bat walks, naturalist programs, birding programs and more. Visit SeaAndSageAudubon.org for more information and scheduling, or stop by the Audubon House at the marsh!
Customized programming
IRWD experts are available for presentations and tours for local organizations, high schools and colleges. Click here for information.
Online resources
Videos, webinars and virtual tours for anyone who wants to learn about water.
For students
Virtual tours
Videos
Recycled Water, Green Communities
How do we keep home faucets flowing while also keeping the community so green and beautiful? IRWD employees walk you through our innovative process – showing how we transform used water into recycle water for landscape and other uses. Water is too valuable to use just once.
Journey of a Water Sample: How We Safeguard Your Water
Learn all about how IRWD scientists and water system operators safeguard your drinking water.
Workshops and webinars
View complete listing of recorded events on landscaping, leak-fixing, and more
Other resources
Additional information about educational programs offered by IRWD.
Annual Poster Contests
Each year, we invite students in kindergarten through fifth grade to participate in the "Water is Life" poster contest. Students have the opportunity for their winning art work to be published in the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California's annual calendar. Students in sixth through 12th grade may enter the Water Awareness Photography and Digital Arts Contest.
Expert Resources
Contact our Water Efficiency Specialists
View our Water Efficiency Resource Guide
IRWD experts are also available for education events such as science fairs, ask-a-scientist night, etc. For more information about IRWD's student education programs or to sign your class or student group up for a tour or lesson please contact us.
Just for kids!
Irvine Ranch Water District provides water for your home. That's important! We also have activities that will teach you how to use water wisely, and how to help keep it clean for everyone.
GAMES
Take a tour of the San Joaquin Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary. See if you can reach the end!
>> Play the Marsh Game
Take a tour of the Michelson Water Recycling Plant. Find out how sewer water gets cleaned!
>> Play Eco Heroes Recycled Water Adventure
VIDEO
Do you know the FOG Song? Find out why it's important to keep fats, oil and grease out of your drain!
>> Learn the FOG Song
LEARN IN PERSON
Go on a bat walk, join a workshop or summer camp, and learn all about birds with our partner Sea & Sage Audubon Society. Visit SeaAndSageAudubon.org for more information and scheduling, or stop by the Audubon House at the marsh!
ENTER YOUR BEST
Every year we host a poster contest for kids from preschool through high school. Students are asked to create a poster that shows how to use water wisely at home, school, business or in agriculture, or show how saving water can help the environment. There's even a chance to be featured in a calendar!
>> Learn about the contest
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