Silverado, Calif. (May 5, 2025) – The 28th annual Children’s Water Education Festival (Festival), the nation’s largest event of its kind, hosted more than 5,800 third, fourth and fifth grade students for a free field trip aimed at inspiring children on the importance of local water issues.

Presented by the Orange County Water District (OCWD), the Festival took place April 23-24 and was held for the first time at Oak Canyon Park in Silverado. Fitting to its mountain-lined setting, the awardwinning Festival engaged students from all over Orange County in hands-on activities focused on water and STEM education.

“The Children’s Water Education Festival brings water science to life in a way that’s fun, memorable and meaningful,” said Denis R. Bilodeau, P.E., OCWD President. “By sparking curiosity about where our water comes from and how we protect it, the Festival helps OCWD fulfill its mission to ensure a sustainable water supply for generations to come.”

Interactive activities ranged from building working aquifer models to testing water pH levels using natural indicators. Students learned how water is managed in Orange County and explored broader topics such as wildlife conservation, stormwater pollution, and careers in science and engineering.

Since its inception, the Festival has educated more than 158,000 students on the value of water and the role they play in protecting it. An interest form for the 2026 event is now available at childrenwaterfestival.com.

Festival Highlights:

• Attendance: 5,805 students from 70 schools representing 19 Orange County cities

• Presenters: 60 activities including OCWD, Disney, the Santa Ana Zoo, Ocean Institute, and more

• Volunteers: 470 volunteers and community supporters

• Sponsors: 50 sponsors, with a 40% increase in support over 2024

Click here to access the Festival press kit, including B-Roll, photos, testimonials, and fact sheet. Assets can be attributed to: Orange County Water District.

The Orange County Water District manages the local groundwater basin serving 2.5 million people in north and central Orange County. For more information about OCWD, please visit www.ocwd.com and follow @OCWaterDistrict on social media. For more information about the Children’s Water Education Festival, visit childrenwaterfestival.com. #