Published: April 10, 2009 07:32 pm �� �� ��

Dalton Utilities sponsors conservation program & art contest for area third-graders

Local third-graders are taking an active role in area water conservation efforts thanks to an educational program, “I’m In The Know About H2O,” sponsored by Dalton Utilities.

Area students are learning about how important it is to save water through a resource packet created exclusively for third-graders and their teachers by Dalton Utilities. The resource packets include rain gauges, water wheels and lesson plans for teachers, as well as activity sheets and other engaging learning aids for students.

“Our mission is to improve water conservation education at the elementary level by providing local teachers with educational outreach opportunities, resources and materials,” said Lori McDaniel of Dalton Utilities.�Students have also been asked to create posters that highlight why it is so important to save water. A panel of local community and art leaders will review and select the 12 winning drawings.

The chosen artwork will be displayed on Dalton Utilities’ Web site. In addition, winning students will receive a party for their classroom. The educational program and art contest is open to all area third-graders including those attending Whitfield County, Dalton city, Christian Heritage and area private schools.

Children will learn easy, everyday ways to conserve water, like taking shorter showers (under 10 minutes); asking parents to fix leaks; washing full loads of laundry and dishes; and not letting water run when brushing teeth or washing dishes.

Water awareness and conservation education are particularly relevant to residents of Dalton and Whitfield County in light of the historical drought recently experienced.

“The goal of this program is to promote simple conservation habits that can be incorporated into everyday life,” said McDaniel. “We also hope the children pass along what they’ve learned to their families. Just having a little person remind you to turn off the water while you brush your teeth can be very effective. If everyone just made small changes in their daily water usage, the cumulative water savings would be phenomenal.”

The “I’m in the Know About H2O” educational program and art contest is just one of many efforts by Dalton Utilities to promote water conservation. This year, the program coincides with the American Water Works Association’s National Drinking Water Week, which runs through the first week of May. National Drinking Water Week focuses attention on how vital water is in our daily lives and how important it is to conserve and protect this natural resource.

Dalton Utilities is also a participant in the state-sponsored conservation education program WaterSmart, and was a pilot community for the emerging program when it was initiated in March 2007. Since that time, Dalton Utilities has encouraged water conservation through newspaper ads, billboards, brochures, posters, handouts, direct mail, TV and radio.

Dalton Utilities is at 1200 V.D. Parrott Jr. Parkway. The phone number is (706) 278-1313. For more information, go to www.dutil.com.

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