FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif. - On Wednesday, September 15, 2004, the Orange County Water District’s (OCWD) Groundwater Guardian Team received a $5,000 grant from the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) Community Partnering Program (CPP).  The check presentation was held at the OCWD bi-monthly board meeting and presented by Larry Dick, board member for the Municipal Water District of Orange County a member agency for the MWD. Phil Anthony, Groundwater Guardian team member and OCWD second vice president, was on-hand to receive the grant for the Groundwater Guardian’s Children’s Water Education Festival, the largest nationwide children’s water education festival.

The CPP was created in 1999 by the Metropolitan Water District, and its 26 member agencies, to support local organizations and nonprofits through grants and sponsorships in the areas of environmental education, conservation and water-quality programs.  Since 1999, the CPP has awarded approximately $2.5 million in sponsorships throughout its service areas in Orange, Riverside, Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Ventura Counties. 

“We are very pleased to receive the grant from the Metropolitan Water District,” said Phil Anthony, OCWD board member.  “The grant will help fund one of the districts largest annual events, which is the largest water education event of its kind.  The festival teaches Orange County school children about conserving our limited natural resources and protecting our environment through fun and interactive activities.”

The 2005 Children’s Water Education Festival will take place on April 5 and 6 at Hidden Valley Park in Irvine.  The festival is open to Orange County fourth and fifth graders.  Space is limited.  To attend the festival, Orange County schools are encouraged to apply by to the Orange County Water District by October 31.  For more information on the 2005 festival or to receive an application, please contact Rebecca Long at (714) 378-3362 or Jenny Wedge at (714) 378-3228 or visit the Children's Water Education Festival online.