21st annual Make A Splash Project WET learning experience for fifth graders
LĪHUʻE – The Kauaʻi Department of Water (DOW) successfully hosted the 21st Annual Make A Splash Project WET learning experience at Isenberg Park, bringing together and inspiring approximately 721 fifth-grade students and over 200 volunteers for a day dedicated to water education, environmental stewardship, and community resilience.
“DOW is committed to educating our young people on the vital issue of water,” said Joe Tait, Department of Water’s Manager and Chief Engineer. “We hope to inspire them to protect, conserve, and best manage Kauaʻi’s water resources for generations to come.”
The event provided students with immersive, hands-on experiences designed to increase awareness of water resources and inspire future stewardship of Kauaʻi’s most precious natural resource. Through interactive learning stations, investigative activities, and STEM-focused educational experiences, students explored water conservation, watershed management, water quality, and the importance of resilient communities. The program, based on the internationally recognized Project WET (Water Education Today) curriculum, supports Common Core Standards and Next Generation Science Standards while making learning both engaging and memorable.
One of the day’s standout activities was “The Long Haul,” an energetic relay challenge where students transported buckets of water while learning valuable lessons about water access, conservation, and infrastructure.
As the event enters its third decade, organizers remain committed to empowering the next generation to develop a deeper understanding of water resource management, environmental responsibility with the knowledge and skills needed to build a more resilient future for Kauaʻi.
The Department of Water extends a sincere mahalo to the volunteers, including participating schools, neighbor-island partners, community organizations, DOW employees, and the DOW Board of Water Supply, whose dedication and support contributed to another successful year of education and outreach:
- Aqua Engineers
- Brown and Caldwell
- Carollo Engineers
- Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Aquatic Resources
- East and West Kauaʻi Soil and Water Conservation Districts
- Grove Farm
- Hawaiʻi Rural Water Association
- Honolulu Board of Water Supply
- Kauaʻi Community College
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
- The Nature Conservancy
- Waimea High School JROTC
For more information on Project WET, visit Projectwet.org. For more information about Project WET Hawaii or DOW’s education and outreach program, please call DOW’s Information & Education Specialist, Tiare Nichols at 808-245-5461, or email publicrelations@kauaiwater.org.
King Kaumualiʻi Elementary – Participating 5th‑grade class
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