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California Water Science Center Talks Water Quality with Orange County Kids

California Water Science Center scientist teach water quality issues to Orange County students

Temperature, turbidity, and pH — Oh, My! Representatives from the California Water Science Center participated in the 20th Annual Orange County Water Festival, March 23-24. The festival — held on the grounds of the University of California, Irvine campus — allowed CAWSC scientists to teach water quality issues to fourth and fifth graders from Orange County Schools. Scientists discussed the importance of understanding temperature, turbidity, and pH when exploring water-quality issues in different aquatic environments. The students explored these issues in a series of experiments on groundwater, river water, marine water, and tap water.

The festival was presented by the Orange County Water District, Disneyland Resort, National Water Research Institute, and the Orange County Water District Groundwater Guardian Team.

Picture of the turbidity display at the Orange County Water Festival
Cathy Brilmyer, Hydrologic Technician, teaches Orange County students about turbidity in marine water at the 20th Annual Orange County Water Festival, March 23-24. (Public domain.)
Picture of a ground water display
The U.S. Geological Survey booth at the 20th Annual Orange County Water Festival taught local fourth and fifth graders about water-quality issues in different types of water, including groundwater. (Public domain.)
A picture of results at the Orange County Water Festival
Robert Kent, Hydrologist, discusses experiment results during a session at the 20th Annual Orange County Water Festival, March 23-24. Students learned about testing for temperature, turbidity, and pH issues in different types of water. (Public domain.)
A picture of teaching students about reading temperature of river water
Laurel Rogers, Science Communications Chief, teaches Orange County students about reading the temperature of river water (remember: scientists use Celsius!) at the 20th Annual Orange County Water Festival, March 23-24 in Irvine, CA.​​​​​​​ (Public domain.)

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