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Description
The project propose focuses on putting into practice public education about the decreasing negative influence of human activity to the quality of the drinking water.
The goal of the project is to increase widespread public awareness of water pollution, especially pharmaceutical and other micropulants pollution. Also public education in the area of decreasing human action impact on the quality of drinking water, as well as education of professional public education (basic school, elementary and high school teachers and environmental education lecturers) in the same field and also their methodological support to educate their students.
The primary activities will be especially wide public education, then publication activities focused on the public and also experts like teachers and lecturers of environmental education. Then the third pillar of the project is educating the nonprofessional public through seminars, workshops and lectures.
Summary of project results
Our project is dedicated to raising awareness and educating the public about the vital importance of clean water and the ecological impact of its use. We engage citizens in understanding how they can actively contribute to reducing water pollution, particularly focusing on the issue of micropollutants—organic or mineral contaminants, often of human origin, that pose a serious threat to our water resources.
Here’s what our project mainly focused on:
- Tackling micropolutants in water: We aimed on the pollutants found in medicines and personal care products. By highlighting how these substances affect water quality and the drinking water production process, we empowered the public to make conscious choices that minimize their environmental impact.
- Reducing household pollution: We educated households on reducing water contamination from everyday products, such as pharmaceuticals and cleaning agents. By providing practical prevention strategies, we‘ve helped individuals take concrete steps toward protecting our water.
- Public education and engagement: Through workshops and excursions, we brought the issue of water pollution to life. These experiences allowed participants to explore the largest drinking water source in Czechia, fostering a deeper appreciation for water conservation.
- Supporting educators: We offered specialized training for teachers and lecturers involved in environmental education. This training equiped them with the knowledge needed to effectively teach students about water pollution and the processes involved in producing clean drinking water.
Together, we’re helping to build a community that’s informed, engaged, and committed to safeguarding our water resources for future generations.
As part of our project, we introduced several initiatives to raise awareness and protect our water resources. We enhanced the Water House exhibition with virtual reality, allowing visitors to take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Želivka water treatment plant, which is normally closed to the public. This immersive experience highlights the importance of clean water production.
We also produced three short films about drinking water production and the Švihov reservoir, two of them available in English, making this information accessible internationally. In addition, we‘ve launched a radio series lasting in total more than 40 minutes and published articles on water pollution, innovations in water protection, and ways to reduce human impact.
To support educators, we released a practical guide filled with teaching tips on water pollution and organized a conference and seminars for knowledge exchange among experts. We also hosted workshops and field trips to the Švihov dam, giving participants hands-on experience with water protection efforts.
Through these activities, we’re raising public awareness, sharing knowledge, and inspiring action to ensure the sustainable use of our water resources.
Our project, "Clean Water is Not a Coincidence," played a vital role in educating and engaging the public on the importance of clean water and the protection of our water resources. Our goal was to raise awareness about sustainable water use, preventing water pollution, and reducing the negative impact of human activities on water quality.
We explored how human actions affect water resources and made sure the project reached people of all ages. By highlighting the link between everyday activities and the state of our aquatic environment, we aimed to foster a deeper understanding of these crucial connections.
Beyond raising awareness, we sought to inspire action. Through the promotion of best practices and technologies, we encouraged people to actively protect our water resources. We also provided valuable support to teachers and environmental educators, helping them bring this important topic into their classrooms.
Our core message was simple: clean water isn''t guaranteed. It requires responsible behavior and a sustainable approach. We also emphasized the need for long-term solutions, especially given the growing pressure on water resources from population growth, climate change, and industrial development.
The project’s impact will be lasting. The exhibition and films are available at the Water House Visitor Center, and excursions to the Švihov dam continue beyond the project’s completion. Our teacher’s guide will continue to inspire future lessons, helping to educate the next generation about protecting our most precious resource.