Educational Resources

The City of Durham Department of Water Management strongly promotes water efficiency and has an active public education program.Wayne Drop with arms outstretched.

NEW! Virtual Programming 

Although we may not be able to share our water efficiency messaging with you in person, we are now offering activities and presentations virtually. Requests for virtual presentations or activities can be made through our online form. Please feel free to email savewater@durhamnc.gov or call 919-560-4381 if you would like additional information.

Several resources are available for schools, civic groups, and interested residents in our service area.

POSTER CONTEST

Each year in recognition of National Drinking Water Week, the Conservation Program puts on a poster contest for children in grades K-8.

IMAGINE A DAY WITHOUT WATER VIDEO CHALLENGE

Hosted by the Value of Water Campaign, the City of Durham Department of Water Management invites all area students grades 9-12 to develop and compete in the Imagine a Day Without Water video challenge. 

ACTIVITY BOOKS

Our activity books target grades K-3,and cover water conservation and water treatment.

BOOKLETS

For older children (middle school) through adults, we can provide short booklets that discuss drinking water, water conservation, water treatment, wastewater treatment, xeriscaping and resourceful landscaping, etc.

PAMPHLETS

We have numerous pamphlets available for distribution that address water quality, water conservation, wastewater treatment, xeriscaping, proper grease disposal, and more.

PRESENTATIONS

Conservation Program staff can tailor a presentation to appropriate age groups, ranging from basic talks to more elaborate demonstrations. To request a presentation, please complete our presentation request form. Topics include (but are not limited to): 

  • Groundwater - Using a slice of the Earth, we can demonstrate how water moves underground and how both surface and groundwater can become polluted.
  • Water Treatment - Using a mock-up of a water treatment plant, we can demonstrate how raw water is treated before we can drink it.
  • Water Quality and Wastewater Treatment - These presentations include how wastewater is treated, the analyses conducted on water and wastewater samples, the water cycle and watershed issues. 

ONLINE ACTIVITIES

  • EPA WaterSense Kids - an interactive game and teacher resources
  • Water Rocks.org - An award-winning STEM site all about water  
  • NASA - Offers a set of lesson plans about the water cycle, weather, and technology
  • Edutopia.com - Tons of engaging video links on water, wetlands, and conservation
  • DurhamWater - Our very own YouTube channel brimming with locally produced lessons about water