Be Water Wise DC 2011 Grants
Over the past several years, improving water conservation has become critical for many U.S. cities. Widespread drought, conflicts over water rights and other water-related issues have gained media attention and a place on the agendas of public officials across the country. In urban settings such as Washington, D.C., stormwater management poses an additional challenge as water runs off city streets, rooftops and sidewalks and carries pollutants into rivers and streams. With these issues growing across the country, it is more important than ever that the public understand their community’s relationship with water resources. Through engaging D.C. students in learning about water-related issues and helping them to realize their own water-use and management habits, they may be empowered to promote conservation in their own lives and throughout the community.
Be Water Wise DC engages partners from the public, private and nonprofit sectors to work with teachers and school staff to raise awareness of local water issues and improve water conservation and stormwater management in school buildings and grounds.
As a part of the program, each participating Be Water Wise DC school is eligible to receive a grant of up to $1,000. These grants will support a school-based water conservation or stormwater management project that will engage students in addressing water issues in their school building and grounds. Student-led Be Water Wise projects can result in substantial reductions in costs and significant environmental benefits. Applicants choose one of six projects – or develop their own project plan – to implement at their school.
These grants are made possible through the generous support of HSBC Bank.
