H2O Use: Electronic Resources

This is a collection of Electronic Resources (websites, software, etc.) about water use. 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

H2ouse: Water Saver Home (G)
Water Science for Schools (E, I, HS, C, G)
American Water Works Association. (G)
The authoritative resource for drinking water.
CIESE Online Classroom Projects, from the Center for Improved Engineering and Science Education (CIESE). (E, I, HS)
CIESE sponsors and designs interdisciplinary projects that teachers throughout the world can use to enhance their curriculum through compelling use of the Internet. We focus on projects that utilize realtime data available from the Internet, and collaborative projects (e.g. Down the Drain, How Much Water Do You Use?) that utilize the Internet’s potential to reach peers and experts around the world.
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.
The Definitive Bottled Water Site, from Best Cellar LLC. (G)
This is the portal for the bottled water industry and where you will find extensive information about bottled water. The purpose of this site is to provide the consumer and researcher with the most current and accurate information about bottled water.
Down the Drain, from the Center for Improved Engineering and Science Education (CIESE). (E, I)
How much water do you use every day in your home? Introduces students to the topic of water use, and to data gathering and analysis.
Drinking Water Kids’ Stuff, from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (E, I)
Contains links to games and activities to help kids learn about drinking water.
Ecolinks — Hydrosphere: Water, Water Everywhere, from the Miami Museum of Science. (I, HS, G)
Almost three-fourths of the Earth’s surface is covered in water. All living things depend on water for their survival. Think about the neighborhood where you live or go to school. Is there a body of water nearby, such as an ocean or river? That’s part of the hydrosphere. Water in the oceans, clouds, lakes, rivers, and even underground is connected through the water cycle. Water is used and reused again and again by living organisms. If you surf, swim, ski or snowboard, you come into direct contact with the hydrosphere. In fact, you could not spend more than 48 hours without drinking water. Without it you’d be sunk. Human beings can affect the world’s water supply. For example, in the USA we consume 300 billion liters (79 billion gallons) of water every single day. Can you think of other ways that we affect the world’s watery sphere? How could you conserve water in your home?
EcoPortal. (G)
An information gateway empowering the movement for environmental sustainability.
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.
EE Link: Environmental Education on the Internet, from the North American Association for Environmental Education. (G)
Links to comprehensive information about environmental issues.
The Exploratorium: The Museum of Science, Art, and Human Perception, (I)
Online since 1993, the Exploratorium was one of the first science museums to build a site on the World Wide Web. This site now contains over 15,000 Web pages exploring hundreds of different topics. Fifteen million visitors use the web site a year. Search “water” to learn about online exhibits, activities, and experiments.
FreshWater Website, from Environment Canada. (G)
This web site covers the following broad topics about water: the nature of water, water policy and legislation, the management of water, water and culture, and information resources and services. The hope is that viewers will recognize the need to value the precious resource and will be motivated to take action to conserve and protect it in their homes, schools, industries, businesses and communities.
Geography Action! Habitats, from the National Geographic Society. (E, I, HS, C, G)
Geography Action! is an annual conservation and awareness program designed to educate and excite people about our natural, cultural, and historic treasures. Each year we celebrate a different topic related to conservation and the environment. The Geography Action! program features an activity-based conservation awareness program, lesson plans, games, and photo-galleries. The Habitats section covers Cities and Suburbs, Deserts and Tundra, Forests, Fresh Water, Oceans and Coasts, and Prairies.
Global Water Partnership. (G)
The Global Water Partnership is a working partnership among all those involved in water management: government agencies, public institutions, private companies, professional organizations, multilateral development agencies and others. The mission of the Global Water Partnership is to “support countries in the sustainable management of their water resources.”
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.
H2ouse: Water Saver Home, from the California Urban Water Conservation Council. (G)
Take a virtual tour on how to save water in your home.
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.
International Rivers Network; Linking Human Rights and Environmental Protection, from the International Rivers Network. (HS, C, G)
IRN supports local communities working to protect their rivers and watersheds. We work to halt destructive river development projects, and to encourage equitable and sustainable methods of meeting needs for water, energy and flood management.
LakeNet, (I, HS, C, G)
LakeNet is a global network of more than 900 people and organizations in 90+ countries working for the conservation and sustainable management of lakes. The LakeNet Secretariat is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing together people and solutions to protect and restore the health of the world’s lakes. Contains an extensive set of links to other organizations.
Land and People: Finding a Balance, from the U.S. Geological Survey. (HS)
An environmental study for high school students on earth science resource issues which focuses on the interaction between people and the environment in three regions of the United States: Cape Cod, Los Angeles, and the Everglades.
Mrs. Mitchell’s Virtual School, from Kathi Mitchell. (E, I)
Contains topical directories to web resources. The Science section includes: Drinking Water and The Water Cycle for Kids, Water and Ice, and Wetlands for Kids.
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)
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.
Project WET (Water Education for Teachers), from Austin Peay State University, The Center of Excellence for Field Biology, Clarksville, Tennessee. (E, I, HS)
This project is an international, interdisciplinary, water science and educational program for formal and non-formal educators of K–12 students.
Soil and Water Conservation Society. (G)
The Soil and Water Conservation Society fosters the science and the art of soil, water and related natural resource management to achieve sustainability.
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.
Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). (G)
The NRCS provides leadership in a partnership effort to help people conserve, maintain, and improve our natural resources and environment.
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. Drought Monitor, from the National Drought Mitigation Center. (G)
Updated weekly, the data cutoff for Drought Monitor maps is Tuesday at 8 a.m. Eastern Standard Time. The maps, which are based on analysis of the data, are released each Thursday at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time.
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)
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 Conservation for Kids, from the Southwest Florida Water Management District. (E, I, HS)
April is Water Conservation Month in Florida. The Southwest Florida Water Management District invites you to learn more about how to conserve water at home or at school by visiting the links on this page.
Water Conserve — A Water Conservation Portal. (G)
Water Conserve is a Water Conservation Portal and Internet Search Tool that provides access to reviewed water conservation news and information. Water Conserve is for non-commercial, educational purposes only.
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 in the City, from the Franklin Institute Online. (E, I)
In one kitchen, in one apartment, in one building, on one block, in one neighborhood, of one city, a young man goes to the faucet and fills a kettle with water. At the very same instant, thousands of other people in that same city may also be tapping into the water supply. How is it possible?
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 Resources Center Archives, from University of California at Berkeley. (C, G)
The mission of the Water Resources Center Archives is to maintain and continue to develop a collection of current and historic water-related materials to meet the needs of the University of California and the people of the state.
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 Wiser Homepage, from the American Water Works Association. (G)
The goal of WaterWiser is to be the premier water conservation, efficiency, and demand management information resource. This interactive web site that strives to meet the information needs of the water conservation community and the drinking water industry. This site provides news, information, research results, discussion forums, references, calendar of events, searchable information databases, and other resources primarily targeted to water conservation professionals, but freely accessible to others in the water industry and the general public.
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 WaterInfo. (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.
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.
WaterWorks, from the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. (E, I)
Explore the science and engineering behind water fountains at home or in the classroom with Water Works. The website has loads of fun and fascinating online activities, as well as helpful curriculum resources.
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 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.

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