Educational Programs & Resources

The City of Durham Department of Water Management strongly promotes water conservation and has an active water conservation and public education program. The following resources (PDF) are available for schools, civic groups, and interested residents in our service area. Call Conservation Program staff in the Department of Water Management at 919-560-4381 to borrow videos, schedule presentations or request additional information. Presentations can be also be requested using our online request form.

Water Education Curriculum


Developed by the EPA and distributed by the Water Environment Federation, this curriculum contains hands-on activities, fact sheets, and a glossary of terms covering water, sources of water, groundwater, wastewater treatment, and coastal water issues. Water Sourcebook is available for grades K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12.

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. Topics include (but 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 (presentations include how wastewater is treated, the analyses conducted on water and wastewater samples, the water cycle and watershed issues). To request a presentation, please complete our presentation request form.

VHS & DVD


Our lending library contains a variety of videos and DVDs that address issues from conservation to water quality to xeriscaping and more. They range from 8 minutes to 48 minutes in length and are available for all grade levels, including adults. Some include accompanying reference materials and workbooks.


Online Activities