Water Education
School Program
El Toro Water District sponsors FREE Water Education Programs to schools in the District’s service area in conjunction with The Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC). MWDOC and Orange County's Department of Education's Inside the Outdoors administer this innovative approach to water education for grades K-12.
Students in grades K-12 are offered water focused presentations, activities and guided lessons that provide students the opportunity to identify local water supply sources, explore the challenges faced by Orange County water providers and discover the importance of using water wisely. All K-12 programs offered support the California content standards and curriculum frameworks.
Scheduling a Program at Your School
Schools are encouraged to book a FREE onsite water education program. To see if your school is eligible, please visit the MWDOC website and fill out the OC School Eligibility Form.
Elementary School Program
Orange County Department of Education’s Inside the Outdoors brings water to life for elementary students through hands-on investigations and interactive activities. Students discover where water comes from, how communities depend on it, and how professionals work together to deliver, manage, and protect Orange County’s water resources.
Grades K–2: Water at Home & in the Neighborhood
Students explore water in their homes and neighborhoods while learning about conservation, water systems, and the people who help keep water safe and reliable.
Grades 3–5: Water Systems & Community Solutions
Students investigate Orange County’s water supplies, conservation strategies, and local water challenges while designing solutions for their schools and communities.
Free for approved OC schools, offered in-person or virtually!
Secondary School Programs
Orange County Department of Education’s Inside the Outdoors engages middle and high school students in exploring real-world water challenges facing Orange County. Through hands-on learning and collaborative problem-solving, students examine how communities manage water resources while discovering the diverse professionals and career pathways that help shape our water future.
Grades 6–8: Watersheds & Water Management
Students explore watershed science, water quality, and regional water management while learning how local water agencies protect water resources.
Grades 9–12: Regional Water Challenges & Decision-Making
Students investigate water challenges facing their communities, explore potential solutions, and discover the diverse careers that help manage and protect local water resources.
Free for approved OC schools, offered in-person or virtually!
Water Awareness Poster Contest
The Municipal Water District of Orange County and the Family of Orange County Water Agencies present a Water Awareness Poster Contest each year! The goal is to get students thinking about the importance of our most valuable natural resource water. Orange County students are encouraged to create artwork that reflect each year’s theme.
The contest is open to all Orange County children each year.
Posters must be hand drawn horizontally on 8.5×11 inch paper and must reflect the student’s own ability.
Original artwork only. Posters submitted with copyrighted characters or images will not be accepted (e.g. Spongebob or Mickey Mouse). Students are allowed to use the Ricki Raindrop character in their design https://bit.ly/RickyRaindropIMG
All posters will be the exclusive property of the Municipal Water District of Orange County for reproduction or promotional purposes, and may be published at mwdoc.com.
One grand prize winner per grade division: K – 2nd, 3rd – 5th, 6th – 8th, and 9th – 12th, will receive an Pre-K entries will receive a personal letter from Ricky Raindrop.
Click here for the 2026 Poster Contest Flyer. Contest deadline is March 11, 2026.
Questions? Contact
Childrens Water Education Festival
The Children’s Water Education Festival will be held on April 15-16, 2026 at Oak Canyon Park. The festival will educate 3rd, 4th and 5th grade Orange County students about water and the environment. The summit is presented by the Orange County Water District (OCWD).
The Festival is provided at no cost to Orange County schools. For information on the event or for school registration, please visit: www.childrenwaterfestival.com