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<br />J Colorado Water Conservation Board <br />Learning to be WalerWise <br />Program Proposal <br /> <br />. Challenge - The balance of water use and supply is growing in urgency across the <br />West. While conservation is generally the most cost effective approach, it has been <br />difficult to introduce new efficiency technologies, much less new conservation behavior <br />and awareness, to the region. Utilities have found that the best programs rely on a blend <br />of installed technologies and customer education. However, barriers of cost, customer <br />resistance, and design have kept most programs from reaching maximum effectiveness. <br /> <br />Children are often recognized as the best opportunity to shape new attitudes and habits, <br />while spreading knowledge to their families and communities. But the reality is that <br />schools are financially limited and teachers lack the time and energy to seek, evaluate, <br />and implement new programs. In Colorado, many water agencies lack the funds to <br />pursue these important goals, so they remain unaddressed. <br /> <br />Solution - The Learning to be WaterWise ™ program directly addresses priorities of <br />conservation impact and cost effectiveness through a proven, high visibility program <br />format, combining a tum-key set of classroom activities with hands-on home projects. <br />This foundation of resource savings, education, and community aid generates positive <br />media coverage. The basic themes of saving resources, helping families and improving <br />education are typically seized upon by the media because of the prominent, positive role <br />of kids and schools. The program focus is on simple and effective conservation steps. <br /> <br />, <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />Learning to be WaterWise™ at a glance: <br />. A fresh, interactive curriculum program for 5th, 6th, or 7th grade students <br />. Resource Action Kits'directly install home water efficiency technologies <br />. Cost efficient, using children and schools <br />. Involves parents, shaping family habits and awareness of water use <br />. A high visibility program that generates excellent media coverage <br />. A simple means of gathering valuable residential market research <br />. Builds understanding of water issues in Colorado <br /> <br />Approach - There are approximately 54,000 fifth grade students/households in the <br />State of Colorado. The goal for the 2000/2001 school year is to reach one third of the <br />total, or 18,000 students and homes. This proposal asks the Colorado Water <br />Conservation Board to provide funding for the implementation of up to 13,500 <br />participants by making funds available to local programs on a matching basis, with at <br />least 25% provided by local sources. <br /> <br />Funding - Total program cost for 13,500 participants will be $432,000, covering all <br />shipping, implementation, verification, and reporting. <br /> <br />PROGRAM GOALS <br />. Effectively educate children and adults to form new resource conscious <br />habits and attitudes for families and the community <br />. Create a high visibility program to build community participation <br />. Reduce residential water use as a low cost alternative to new supplies <br />. Gather home water use information <br />. Support local schools and education <br /> <br />. <br /> <br />National Energy Foundation 10 Resource Action Programs <br />