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OCWA operator in protective gear does an experiment with students in a classroom.

OneWater® Education Program

Welcome to the OneWater® Education Program! 🌊

 

Our mission is to inspire grade eight students to appreciate the value of water through interactive, curriculum-connected presentations and hands-on activities, delivered by water and wastewater professionals right from their community!

What do students learn?

  • The Water Cycle: Explore how water moves through your community, from the clouds, to your tap and back again.
  • Water and Wastewater Treatment: Gain detailed insights into the processes and technologies used to treat water in your region.
  • What Not to Flush: Learn what should and should not go down our drains to keep our water systems healthy.

We make learning fun and impactful, ensuring students grasp how their choices affect water systems. Join us in shaping the water stewards of tomorrow!

Engaging and Impactful Experiences

With over 6,000 students across Ontario already benefiting from the program, OneWater is making a significant impact. By meeting and learning from industry professionals, students gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities of ensuring clean and safe water. This hands-on approach makes the learning experience more engaging and memorable.

Real-World Learning with Water Experts

We bring local water operators right into the classroom, bridging the gap between learning and real-life experience. These dedicated OCWA professionals share their expertise on how the water is treated right in the community, offering students a unique glimpse into the vital work that is performed each and every day in communities across Ontario.

Who is a Water Operator?

Water operators are essential professionals responsible for managing the systems and processes that ensure safe and clean drinking water and environmental protection. They oversee the treatment and distribution of water, monitor water quality, and maintain the equipment used in water treatment facilities. Their role is crucial in protecting public health and the environment, ensuring that communities have access to reliable and safe water supplies.

Inspiring Future Advocates for Water Sustainability

We provide a unique learning experience that fosters a deep understanding of water-related issues and how our actions impact water quality. Our program empowers students to become proactive advocates for water sustainability, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions.

What makes this program unique?

  • Understanding Water Issues: Students learn about the challenges facing our water systems.
  • Impactful Actions: Discover how everyday choices affect water quality.
  • Informed Decisions: Equip students with the knowledge to make smart choices for a sustainable future.

Through this comprehensive approach, OneWater not only educates but also inspires the next generation of water stewards, ensuring a sustainable future for our water systems.

Join us in shaping a future where every drop counts. Discover more about the OneWater Education Program today!

Explore our gallery to see the enthusiasm and engagement of students who have participated in the OneWater Education Program, and witness the dedication of operators as they teach and inspire the next generation.

Watch grade eight students learn about water treatment and sustainability during the OneWater in-class workshop, guided by local water operators.

Teacher Testimonials:

“The OneWater program was great, and I am so happy that my class had that experience. Heather and Jenna were engaging, the experiment was a great way for them to “see” some of the steps of the treatment process to help their understanding. It was very closely tied to the curriculum. I would highly recommend this program to other grade 8 classes!”  Sacred Heart Catholic School, Parkhill [November 2023]

“This program hit all aspects of the Grade 8 Water Curriculum. It had interactive, instructional and hands on experiments. Students were engaged throughout and learned a lot!” – St. John Brébeuf Catholic School, Erin [February 2024]

“The OneWater presentation brought awareness to the ongoing Global issue of Water Conservation. The students were engaged and interested to learn how the water that is delivered to their homes is treated and filtered. The hands-on activity made is visible of the impurities that can be found in untreated source water. I highly recommend this presentation!” – Jack Miner Public School, Kingsville [April 2024]

“It was really great. One of the highlights of our year. Staff were knowledgeable and prepared” – Hillside Public School, Waterloo [May 2024]

 “This presentation was such a great experience for my students to think about real-life issues that impact their own drinking and use of water sources. The hands-on activity really encouraged my students to make connections and alayze their own personal use of water.” – Walpole North Elementary School, Haldimand [March 2025]

Contact Us

For further information on OCWA’s OneWater Education Program, please contact:

Adrienne Pottruff
Education and Community Outreach Coordinator
APottruff@ocwa.com
905-301-4853

I Don’t Flush

The I Don’t Flush awareness campaign encourages the public to properly dispose of household items rather than flush them down their toilets.

Learn More

Supporting Communities

OCWA employees live and work in their communities. They choose to support local events and initiatives such as shoreline clean-ups, providing tours of local facilities and attending water festivals.

Learn More