The Water Replenishment District of Southern California (WRD) implemented the Educational Partnership Program in 2001 in an effort increase the visibility of the District and to broaden its water education efforts in schools throughout southern Los Angeles County . The WRD, which celebrated its 45th Anniversary in November, 2004, manages two of the most utilized groundwater basins in Southern California . The agency provides more than a third of the water used by the nearly four million people living within the District's boundaries.

The Educational Partnership Program provides water education programs, in-class presentations for students, field trips, speakers for career days, literature for teachers, student essay contests and other water-related educational services throughout the year. These are all free-of-charge. The program and educational materials will assist teachers in fulfilling the requirements for the Science Content Standard for California Public Schools grades 5-8.

Participants in the program receive an initial presentation by the WRD staff. The information consists of water and how nearly three-fourths of the water covers the earth. Students learn that 94 percent of the earth's water has salt and that only 4 percent is fresh water. Students are told about the Water Cycle, how it works, how water is treated and how it is delivered to their homes. A special emphasis is placed on groundwater and why it should be protected. Groundwater provides 51 percent of America 's drinking water and 99 percent of rural America 's drinking water. About one-third of the water used in the WRD's territory is groundwater. Clean groundwater is a vital resource that is all too often taken for granted. It nourishes both the environmental and economic health of our communities.

During the presentation, information is presented on groundwater recharge. This is water that enters the soil and eventually reaches the saturated zone. Students learn that aquifers are saturated underground formations that will yield water to a well or spring. In addition, information is provided on fresh water in rivers, lakes and underground sources. Recycle water is also addressed.

Student Field trips are an important part of the Educational Partnership Program. Each school will have the opportunity to take a daylong trip. Students will visit a water treatment facility, a desalination plant and the Los Angeles County Spreading Grounds. Students will also have a chance to participate in essay contests. The WRD will pay for trophies and organize a special assembly so the students are recognized for the creative talents. Each school will also receive a banner that recognizes the educational partnership between the school and the WRD.