Water Education

Education Programs

Rancho Water has provided education programs for transitional kindergarten through 12th grade since 1984. This non-profit endeavor is designed to educate our children about water and wastewater issues as well as to promote water use efficiency among future leaders.

Rancho Water assists educators in meeting their educational goals by providing literature, curriculum packets, assembly programs, and much more free of charge. The materials offered to educators will help fulfill the requirements for the Science Framework for California Schools.

It is our hope that the Water Education Program will provide you with the necessary resources to assist you in teaching more about our precious resource, water.

Teacher Grant Program

We are proud to offer a new grant program aimed at affording local TK-12 grade educators within our service area the opportunity to explore water in the classroom. Teachers can each receive up to $500 for water-related projects and programs. 

The grant funds must be used for classroom water education activities. Suggestions for topics include, but are not limited to: water conservation and sustainability, drought, careers in water, and where our water comes from. Grant amounts will be awarded based on need and the completion of the grant application in its entirety. Funds must be used during the 2023-2024 school year.

Submission information:

• Grant applications are now closed for the 2023-2024 school year
• Grants will be awarded to selected teachers in January 2024. 
• Grant recipients must submit a program follow-up synopsis (max 500 words) with photos (if available) within 30 days of the end of the school year. All submitted photos will become the property of Rancho Water and may be used for social media and marketing purposes.

Water Education Theater Program

Shows That Teach for grades K-6. Qualifying schools can choose between their two water-themed shows for students, “The Hydro Game Show” or “H2O, Where Did You Go?”. These performances cover several NGSS curriculum topics and are available to schedule through the link below. The theater program will only be available while funding lasts and can be booked directly with Shows That Teach.

The Hydro Game Show

A fun school assembly show on the topic of water. It’s especially appropriate for grades 1-6. This one-performer show connects with many Next Generation Science Standards and engages students with a game show format.

H2O, Where Did You Go?

This engaging two-performer show, addresses many water science educational standards, such as the water cycle and the journey of water. Using humor, music, skits, and audience participation, this informative show also covers the reasons for water conservation, and how students can be “water-smart”. This option is suggested for grades K-5.

Request a Shows That Teach Water Education Assembly

Santa Rosa Water Reclamation Facility Field Trips

We are pleased to offer Santa Rosa Water Reclamation Facility (SRWRF) field trips to K-6 students.  

Students who get to visit our reclamation facility will be able to take a guided tour of the treatment plant. While following our wastewater reclamation operators, they will learn where wastewater goes once it leaves your home and the process of cleaning and processing wastewater. Students will see how the wastewater is separated, filtered, treated, and cleaned. They will also participate in water education activities and have a chance to ask and answer questions about the wastewater process. 

Faculty can fill out our FIELD TRIP INTEREST FORM or contact Kate Simmons at SimmonsK@RanchoWater.com for details. Transportation is not provided.