The Annual EarthEcho Water Challenge Helps You Take Action in Your Community
-- 2017 Water Challenge to Feature Virtual Events and a New Awards Program --
Washington, DC (March 15, 2017) This March 22, the United Nations World Water Day, individuals, schools and community groups around the world will take a stand for clean water and healthy waterways by participating in the EarthEcho Water Challenge (formerly the World Water Monitoring Challenge). Through the simple actions of testing and sharing data about a community’s water, EarthEcho Water Challenge participants become part of a growing movement of 1.4 million citizens in 143 countries who are working to conserve and protect water resources around the globe. This year’s Challenge kicks off with youth-led virtual events, a new awards program and a special event in Miami, Florida with EarthEcho Co-Founder and President Philippe Cousteau, Jr.
“Our health depends on access to clean water and preserving and protecting our water resources,” said Cousteau. “These waterways and water systems are literally the lifeblood of our communities and everyone can play an important role in protecting them. The EarthEcho Water Challenge is designed to equip, individuals, groups and communities to be advocates for their local and regional water sources.”
The EarthEcho Water Challenge runs annually from March 22 through December 31st and is comprised of three easy steps:
• Test – It all begins by understanding the state of water quality in your community. Get started by purchasing a simple test kit at www.monitorwater.org;
• Share – Participants can enter their data online through Earth Echo’s international database and share their stories and photos on our website at www.monitorwater.org or though social media; and
• Protect – Armed with knowledge about your local water resources, you can use the information and tools available at www.monitorwater.org to protect your community’s water every day.
As part of this year’s Water Challenge, EarthEcho’s Youth Leadership Council (YLC) will livestream water monitoring activities from across the United States to show you how we can work together to test, share, and protect our local water resources. Representing 15 diverse leaders from across the country, ages 15-22, YLC members will broadcast live focusing on the water conservation challenges in their home towns - from Florida to Michigan and North Carolina to Washington State. Tune in on March 22 at www.facebook.com/earthecho!
Philippe Cousteau, Jr. and EarthEcho will also host a special Water Challenge event at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center in Crandon Park, Key Biscayne, Florida, on March 22. Cousteau and the EarthEcho team aided by Miami Waterkeeper and educators from the Biscayne Nature Center will work with 125 5th grade students from Citrus Grove Elementary School and the American Heritage School to test and better understand their local water resources. These local youth will learn about the value of Miami’s water and the water cycle as well as some of the most common indicators of water health so they can participate in helping to improve water quality.
For the first time, all participants are eligible to win rewards in recognition of their community contributions through the EarthEcho Water Challenge Awards Program simply by sharing their data and stories on the Water Challenge website. The EarthEcho Water Challenge Awards Program encompasses several categories and includes cash prizes as well as water monitoring kits. Please go to www.monitorwater.org for more information.
The EarthEcho Water Challenge is made possible through the generous support of Xylem, Inc. In addition, the following organizations are collaborating with the EarthEcho Water Challenge through outreach, resources and events: Cuyahoga Valley Environmental Education Center; LaMotte Company; Love A Sea Turtle; Miami Waterkeeper; Miami-Dade County Public Schools; Southwest Airlines; Tennessee Valley Authority; The Sink or Swim Project; and Youth Service America.
