Approximately 2,500 middle and high school students and their teachers attended the 22nd annual Clean Water Celebration at the Peoria Civic Center on April 20th. The Clean Water Celebration is sponsored by the Sun Foundation and encourages students to learn to improve water quality, to think critically and creatively about adequate and safe water supplies, and to promote the wise use of natural resources.
This year’s theme was “Many Lands-One Earth: Water wisdom from around the world". During the 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. event, students and teachers attended special sessions and also visited 33 booths set up by local schools, businesses and organizations, including the Heart of Illinois Sierra Club.
The HOI booth this year featured a miniature working model of water flowing out of a rain gutter into two connected rain barrels. A small pump continuously cycled the water in a loop through the display. We also had a full size rain barrel connected to a downspout so viewers could relate the working model to the real thing. Our display included pictures of many types of rain barrels and listed the benefits of owning rain barrels, including:
Save Water - Water use increases 40-50% in summer. A rain barrel can save approximately 1300 gallons of water in peak summer months.
Save Money - Save money on your water bill by using rain barrels to water plants and gardens.
Enjoy Healthier Plants - Rain water is naturally soft and devoid of minerals, chlorine, flouride, and other harmful chemicals.
Save Landfill Space - Rain barrels are often made from recycled plastic food containers.
Reduce Runoff - Rain barrels reduce peak volume and velocity of storm water runoff to streams and storm sewer systems.
Rain barrels can be purchased online, at home centers in the Peoria area, and from the Peoria County Soil and Water Conservation District. An order form is available on their website. Call 309-671-7040, Ext. 3 for more information.
Our display was also set up for the Earth Day celebration at Forest Park Nature Center on April 18, where we also educated the public on our opposition to the City of Peoria's plan to build apartments on 5.8 acres of Riverfront Park. Thanks to everyone who volunteered during these events! You helped to project a very positive view of the Heart of Illinois Sierra Club, and educate people on the benefits of rain barrels.