The IGWA has been involved in promoting the involvement of children in understanding the importance of understanding and preserving our water resources. IGWA contributes money and countless hours to plan the activities, coordinate children’s travel, inspire poster contests and provide lunches for up to 1500 Iowa 5th graders. Countess IGWA members serve as volunteers and class stewards during the annual one-day event, held in May.

The Iowa Children’s Water Festival will convene its sixth annual festival in May 2002. The festival structure, content, and target audience (fifth-grade students) are patterned after the successful Nebraska Children’s Groundwater Festival that has “become an international model with the concept being adapted and replicated throughout the world.” To date, water festivals of this nature have been held in nearly 40 U.S. states, Mexico, Canada, Europe, Asia, and India. 

What is the purpose of a children's water festival? In a word, education. Aside from turning on the tap to draw a glass of water, most adults (let alone children) have very little knowledge about water resources. The timeframe to engage citizens about water resource education is when they’re young, enthusiastic, and eager to learn. It's important that Iowa’s citizens become more educated regarding water because the 21st century will bring important choices for our residents regarding the future of our State’s water resources. 
The Iowa Children's Water Festival (ICWF) is an annual one-day event serving 5th grade students. The festival is held in May at the Des Moines Area Community College Ankeny Campus. The college campus environment and festival atmosphere has proven immensely popular with students, teachers, and festival activity leaders. At the festival, lively entertainment and interactive displays are led by natural resources professionals representing government agencies, environmental organizations, higher education, and private business. The activities are designed to teach children about water while they have fun.

Since 1997, the Iowa Groundwater Association has been a principal sponsor of the Iowa Children’s Water Festival. In addition to financial support, IGWA has provided leadership for a variety of ICWF activities, demonstrations, and exhibitions. This support for the ICWF will continue in 2002, with IGWA members chairing and serving on the Planning Committee and Exhibit Hall and Educational Outreach Subcommittees among others. Many IGWA members provide valuable support by participating in the festival as exhibitors, activity leaders/presenters, and volunteers.

For additional information please visit the Iowa Children’s Water Festival website at:

• http://iowachildrenswaterfestival.org