Education Grant

In 2006 MCWA, in conjunction with the Berks County Conservation District, received a grant from DEP to educate children in the city of Reading about the origin of their drinking water.  MCWA put together a presentation called “Where Does Your Water Come From?” which was given to 5^th and 6^th graders in 2007-08. 

The presentation begins with a general review of the water cycle then moves on to the specifics of the Maiden Creek Watershed and Lake Ontelaunee.  The students learn the flow of water from small perennial streams and tributaries to the Maiden Creek to Lake Ontelaunee where the Reading Area Water Authority draws the water for the city. The students then learn about the larger river basins of Pennsylvania.  We are part of the Schuylkill River basin which forms part of the Delaware River basin. Students trace the water they have used back to RAWA where it is cleaned and released into the Schuylkill.  The water continues down to the Delaware and finally to the Atlantic Ocean.

The program continues with lessons on how MCWA cares for water, how to identify pollution and things that they can do to keep water clean. Overall the kids in the Reading Area School district have enjoyed the program. MCWA looks forward to continuing their education program with macro invertebrate workshops later in the year.