Mount Pleasant Waterworks announced on May 4 that it is celebrating Drinking Water Week, which runs from May 3 to May 9, in partnership with the Charleston County School District’s Kaleidoscope after-school program. The annual event, led by the American Water Works Association, focuses on the importance of safe and reliable drinking water and acknowledges the work of water professionals.
The collaboration aims to educate students about water conservation and the significance of protecting drinkable water. Students from elementary and middle schools in Mount Pleasant participated in a laboratory visit organized by Mount Pleasant Waterworks staff. During these visits, students learned about how rare drinkable water is and discussed actions they can take to protect this resource.
David LaFrance, CEO of the American Water Works Association, said: “Safe drinking water is something people rely on every day, often without a second thought. Drinking Water Week is an opportunity to recognize the professionals who make that service possible and to reflect on the ongoing work required to maintain and strengthen the systems our communities depend on.”
As part of this initiative, kindergarten through fifth-grade students were invited to create art boards responding to “How do YOU save water?” These boards will be displayed outside Mount Pleasant Waterworks’ facility at 1619 Rifle Range Road during Drinking Water Week. Suggested ideas for saving water included taking short showers or turning off faucets while brushing teeth.
Piper Monk from Mount Pleasant Waterworks said: “Drinking Water Week gives us the chance to connect with the next generation of water stewards right here in Mount Pleasant. Partnering with Kaleidoscope allowed us to reach students where they already are, in a program built around curiosity and growth, and have a real conversation about why water matters and what each of us can do to protect it.”
Dr. Abigail Woods, Executive Director of Expanded Learning for Charleston County School District added: “Kaleidoscope exists to extend learning beyond the classroom in ways that connect students to their community. Partnering with Mount Pleasant Waterworks, this Drinking Water Week gave our students the opportunity to explore a real-world issue—water conservation—through both education and creative expression… We were proud to be part of it.”
