H2O Quality: Electronic Resources

This is a collection of Electronic Resources (websites, software, etc.) about water quality. Separate collections of Print Resources and National Academies Press e-Books are also available.

Key: E = Elementary (K–5), I = Intermediate (6–8), HS = High School (9–12), C = College, G = General Public

Starting Points

Water Science for Schools (E, I, HS, C, G)
Aquaventurer Online, from the Water Environment Federation. (E, I, HS, G)
For kids of all ages, Aqua Venturer tells the story of water, its treatment and use throughout history, and its importance to life on Earth. Visitors discover what the water environment was like in ancient Rome or on the other side of the globe centuries later. AquaVenturer highlights the vital role of clean water in the development of civilizations. Download a Teacher Guide and access a wealth of resources on the water environment.
Cleaner Water Through Conservation, from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (G)
The recognition of diffuse, or nonpoint source, pollution as a major contributor to declining water quality has spawned another approach to improving our water resources: better water quality through greater water quantity. This web site explains the relationship between the quantity of water and its quality and discusses how developing water-use efficiency programs can help states and local communities achieve cleaner water through conserving water.
Cleanwater.gov. (G)
Restoring and protecting America’s watersheds.
Earthwater Stencils — Storm Drain Stencils, from Earth Water Stencils, Washington. (G)
Storm drain stenciling is an educational, interactive tool to engage people of all ages in community involvement for watershed pollution prevention. It is an action project for students and community involvement for adults.
EcoIQ: Water and Wastewater Home Page, (G)
Consolidates all of the material on EcoIQ.com with a primary focus on Water & Wastewater — and it includes EcoIQ Magazine on Water & Wastewater, more than 50 Link Center and Directory pages linking to online water and wastewater resources, a water and wastewater calendar, water and wastewater anthologies, water-related educational and media resources, and more.
Kids’ Sites and Pages
Educating Young People About Water, from the University of Wisconsin — Environment Resource Center. (E, I)
Guides and water curricula database provide assistance for developing a community-based, youth water education program. These resources target youth and link educators to key community members to build partnerships to meet common water education goals.
The Educators Toolkit, from Carolyn Bierworth, a teacher in Ontario. (E, I)
Check out the “Ecosystems/Biomes” and “The Environment” sections within Themes to see a great collection of annotated web sites and lesson plans on the water cycle, freshwater ecosystems, ocean ecosystems, acid rain, and pollution.
Give Water a Hand, from the University of Wisconsin — Environment Resource Center. (E, I)
A national watershed education program designed to involve young people in local environmental service projects. Also available in Spanish.
Global Environment Monitoring System (GEMS)/Water — The World of Water Quality, from the United Nations Environment Programme. (G)
The GEMS/Water Programme provides authoritative, scientifically-sound information on the state and trends of global inland water quality required as a basis for the sustainable management of the world’s freshwater to support global environmental assessments and decision-making processes.
The Global Water Sampling Project, from the Center for Improved Engineering and Science Education . (HS)
Collaborative project that allows the participant to compare water quality of local water streams, lakes, etc. with other fresh water sources around the world.
The GLOBE Program, from the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research and Colorado State University. (E, I, HS)
GLOBE is a worldwide hands-on, primary and secondary school-based science and education program. GLOBE provides students with the opportunity to learn by: taking scientifically valid measurements in the fields of atmosphere, hydrology, soils, and land cover; reporting their data through the Internet; creating maps and graphs on the free interactive Web site to analyze data sets; and collaborating with scientists and other GLOBE students around the world.
Go With the Flow, from the Water Environment Federation. (E, I, HS)
Be in the Know … Go with the Flow is a map that allows the water curious to walk step-by-step through the wastewater treatment process. The Clean Water Plant has been divided into 15 components represented by icons. When clicked on, each component’s icon comes up with a one paragraph, non-technical narrative description written for the “average bear.” Viewers can follow the path step-by-step, or jump around to locate a particular area of interest.
Great Lakes Information Network (GLIN), from the Great Lakes Commission. (G)
GLIN is a partnership that provides one place online for people to find information relating to the binational Great Lakes-St. Lawrence region of North America. GLIN offers a wealth of data and information about the region’s environment, economy, tourism, education and more. Thanks to its strong network of state, provincial, federal and regional partner agencies and organizations, GLIN has become a necessary component of informed decision-making, and a trusted and reliable source of information for those who live, work or have an interest in the Great Lakes region.
Hazardous Waste: Superfund, from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (I, HS)
A collection of activities to assist in teaching about hazardous wastes, environmental issues surrounding site cleanup, and the Federal government’s Superfund program.
Healthy Water, Healthy People, from Montana State University. (I, HS, C, G)
An innovative water quality education program that offers hands-on activity guides, testing kits, training, and much more. This web site is for anyone interested in learning and teaching about water quality education topics.
Home*A*Syst — An Environmental Risk Assessment Guide for the Home, from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. (G)
Includes site assessment, storm water management, drinking water well management, household wastewater, managing hazardous household products, lead in and around the home, yard and garden care, safe management of liquid fuels, indoor air quality, heating and cooling systems, and managing household waste.
HydroWeb, from the International Association for International Hydrology. (G)
IAEH is a worldwide association of environmental hydrologists dedicated to the protection and cleanup of fresh water resources.
Magnificent Ground-Water Connection, from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (E, I, HS)
Compilation of some of the best ground water-related activities from previously existing curricula, seasoned with a collection of original materials and geared specifically to New England. The activity guide is applicable to a wide range of subject matter and the ground water theme is integrated into stories, songs, math, social studies, art and writing. The topics include basic concepts on the water cycle, water distribution, treatment and stewardship. Also includes five sample lesson activity plans.
PBS Teacher Source — Science and Technology, from Public Broadcasting System (PBS). (G)
Find 4,500+ free lesson plans and activities.
PBS Teacher Source — Science & Technology — Water and Air. (HS)
PBS Teacher Source — Science & Technology — Water and Air. (I)
Pollution Prevention Toolbox, from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (I)
The toolbox contains a series of four-page lesson plans on various pollution prevention concepts for schools.
P.O.V.: The Invisibility of Water, from PBS. (I, HS, C, G)
Water flows through our lives every day. But as long as our showers run and our toilets flush, we don’t ask too many questions. Water becomes invisible, whether it’s the expensive stuff in our bottles, or the polluted stuff under our bridges. P.O.V. (a cinema term for ‘point of view’) is public television’s annual award-winning showcase for independent non-fiction films.
UNICEF — Water, Environment, and Sanitation, from the United Nations Children’s Fund. (G)
Includes hygiene, drinking water, toilets, environment, and pollution.
U.S. Department of Agriculture.
U.S. Department of Interior Library. Water Resources Management, from the U.S. Department of the Interior. (C, G)
Includes news, interesting sources, plus links on wetland management and restoration, water supply, federal and state government programs, water law, organizations, local efforts, and directories of internet sites on water resources management and law.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (G)
EPA Browse Topics. (G)
EPA Kids’ Stuff.
EPA Environmental Education. (G)
Environmental Kids Club. (E)
EPA Student Center . (I)
EPA High School Environmental Center. (HS)
EPA Researchers and Scientists. (C)
EPA Teachers’ Center. (G)
EPA Teachers — Water Background Information. (G)
EPA Teachers — Water Curriculum Resources. (G)
Regional Environmental Education Programs. (G)
EPA’s Office of Water. (G)
Recommended EPA Water Web Pages. (G)
U.S. Geological Survey.
USGS Learning Web. (E, I, HS)
USGS Explorers — Water.
USGS National Water Quality Assessment Program. (I, HS, C, G)
U.S. Water News, (G)
Current water and wastewater news for the professional. Check out section called “Other Watering Holes” for links to state, federal, international, professional, non-profit, and general web pages related to water.
Water, from Environment Canada. (I, HS, C, G)
Includes information about bulk water removal, drinking water, efficiency/conservation, floods, groundwater, lakes, legislation and regulations, marine, pollution, properties, quality, rivers, science and research, snow and ice, use, wastewater and wetlands.
Water (Browse EPA Topics), from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (I, HS, C, G)
Includes information on aquatic ecosystems, drinking water, ground water, storm water, surface water, wastewater, water pollutants, water pollution, water pollution control, water pollution legal aspects, and water quality monitoring.
Water for Kids.
Water and Sanitation Program (WSP). (G)
An international partnership to help the poor gain sustained access to improved water supply and sanitation services.
Water Background Information, from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (G)
Background information on water for teachers that provides a variety of Internet links to water quality related sites.
Water Education Foundation. (G)
The mission of the Water Education Foundation, an impartial non-profit organization, is to create a better understanding of water issues and help resolve water resource problems through educational programs.
Water Environment Federation.
Education and Outreach.
WEF for Students.
Favorite Water Links on the World Wide Web.
Water FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions), from Lenntech Water Treatment and Air Purification Holding B.V., Netherlands. (I, HS, C, G)
Includes FAQs about water chemistry, water cycle, water quantity, water quality, water pollution, water purification, drinking water, water usage, water and health, water energy, water ecology, water microbiology, and water softener. Also includes a water glossary.
Water on the Web (WOW), from the University of Minnesota. (HS, C)
WOW helps college and high school students understand and solve real-world environmental problems using advanced technology. WOW is a complete package containing two sets of curricula, data from many lakes and rivers nationwide, extensive online primers, data interpretation and Geographic Information System Tools, and additional supporting materials.
The Water Page, from Water Policy International Limited. (G)
The Water Page is an independent initiative dedicated to the promotion of sustainable water resources management and use. A particular emphasis is placed on the development, utilization and protection of water in Africa and other developing regions.
The Water Portal (UNESCO), from the United Nations Education Scientific and Cultural Organization. (I, HS, C, G)
The UNESCO Water Portal is intended to enhance access to information related to freshwater available on the World Wide Web.
Water Quality Association (WQA). (G)
The WQA is a not-for-profit international trade association representing the household, commercial, industrial, and small community water treatment industry.
Water Quality Information Center, from the U.S. National Agriculture Library. (HS, C, G)
Includes news, web sites, searchable databases, discussion lists, and meetings on water and agriculture.
Water Science for Schools, from the U.S. Geological Survey. (E, I, HS, C, G)
Offers information on many aspects of water, along with pictures, data, maps, and an interactive center where you share ideas and test your water knowledge.
Water Sourcebooks, from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (E, I, HS)
The Water Sourcebooks explain the water management cycle showing how it affects all aspects of the environment. 324 activities for grades K–12 are divided into four sections: K–2, 3–5, 6–8, and 9–12.
Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council (WSSCC). (G)
The WSSCC is a leading international organization that enhances collaboration in the water supply and sanitation sector to accelerate the achievement of sustainable water, sanitation and waste management services to all people, with special attention to the unserved poor, by enhancing collaboration among developing countries and external support agencies and through concerted action programs.
Water Treatment Cycle, from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (E, I, HS)
Games and online activities are used to follow a drop of water from the source through the treatment process. This web page is part of the Drinking Water for Kids web site.
WaterAid, from WaterAid, London, UK. (G)
WaterAid is an international NGO dedicated exclusively to the provision of safe domestic water, sanitation and hygiene education to the world’s poorest people.
WaterInfo.org, from . (G)
The Water Information Program is a public information program sponsored by the water districts, organizaitons, and agencies in the San Juan and Dolores watersheds of southwestern Colorado.
Waterlaws.com, from the Water Resources Group of Smith Parker, P.L.L.P., Minneapolis, Minnesota. (HS, C, G)
An interactive water resources journal of water law, policy, and commentary.
Watershed Action, from the Center for Global Environmental Education. (E, I, HS)
Take Action! Protect lakes, streams, rivers, and wetlands. The Watershed Action site offers one-stop help in planning and organizing service-learning projects to prevent water pollution in your watershed. Within this site you can access everything from scientific background information or curricula, to local experts or stencils for painting storm drain signs.
The WaterWeb Consortium. (G)
The WaterWeb consortium has been created to promote the sharing of information concerning water and the Earth’s environment. Our organization seeks to create a global community, bringing together educational, governmental, nonprofit, & commercial entities interested in water research, conservation, and management. WaterWeb’s goals are to advance water related issues, promote the use of quality information, and share information with water use stakeholders and decision-makers.
What’s Up with our Nation’s Waters, from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (E, I)
Designed primarily for middle-school-aged youth, presents key findings of the EPA’s National Water Quality Report and includes projects for school or fun, a glossary and resources for more information.
WHO: Water, Sanitation, and Health, from the world Health Organization. (G)
WHO works on aspects of water, sanitation and hygiene where the health burden is high, where interventions could make a major difference and where the present state of knowledge is poor.
World Bank: Water Supply and Sanitation. (G)
Perhaps more than any other sector, Water Supply and Sanitation hits on all the main themes of the development agenda: poverty alleviation, environmental sustainability, private sector-led growth, participatory development and good governance. Because water is so essential to life, the World Bank Group strives to help its member countries ensure that everyone has access to efficient, responsive and sustainable water and sanitation services.
World of Fresh Water (PDF), from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (E, I)
Use these activities to help your students understand the effects of pollutants on lakes, rivers, and streams.
World Water Day, from the IRC International Water and Sanitation Centre. (G)
The international observance of World Water Day is an initiative that grew out of the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro. The United Nations General Assembly designated 22 March of each year as the World Day for Water.
World Water Council. (G)
The World Water Council is the International Water Policy Think Tank dedicated to strengthening the world water movement for an improved management of the world’s water resources. The World Water Council was established in Marseille, France, in 1996 as a non-profit non-governmental umbrella organization.
World Water Monitoring Day, provided in part by America’s Clean Water Foundation. (G)
World Water Monitoring Day was created with two major purposes in mind. First, to serve as an educational platform to introduce people to the importance of water monitoring and connect them personally with efforts to protect and preserve their local watersheds, and second, as a means of expanding the base of information available about the health each watershed over time.
The World’s Water: Information on the World’s Freshwater Resources, from the Pacific Institute. (G)
This site is dedicated to providing water information, data, and web connections to organizations, institutions, and individuals working on a wide range of global freshwater problems and solutions.
Yahooligans! The Web Guide for Kids > Science and Nature > The Environment > Water, from Yahoo!. (E, I, HS, G)
Web sites on aquifers, bodies of water, hydropower, oceanography, water cycle, water pollution, watersheds, and wetlands.
Year of Clean Water (2002), from the American Clean Water Foundation (ACWF). (G)
This page highlights some of the exemplary and innovative work that States have done to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Clean Water Act. Go to Kid’s Corner section to read online books and view list of web sites.

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