At the recent Columbia County Water Education Day held at Briar Creek Lake Pennsylvania -- an event supported by a grant from PA American Water to the Columbia County Conservation District -- more than 500 eighth-grade students from throughout Columbia County learned about the important concept of 'Good Water = Good Life.'

In total, seven watershed initiatives across the state earned financial support through PAW's 2015 Environmental Grant Program. The recipients received a share of grant funds totaling nearly $35,000 for their community-based projects that improve, restore or protect watersheds.

'Good Water = Good Life' Water Education Day was coordinated by the Columbia- Montour Coalition for Source Water Protection, a group formed with the mission of protecting drinking water.

"One of the best ways to do that is to educate community members about the sources of our drinking water," said Heather Almer, watershed specialist, Columbia County Conservation District. "If people don't know where their water comes from, then they don't know their impact on the watershed or how to improve the quality of drinking water."

In addition to the conservation district, PAW awarded its 2015 Environmental Grants to: Habitat for Humanity (Washington County), Keystone College (Lackawanna County), Montgomery County Conservation District (Montgomery County), Economic Development South (Allegheny County), Brandywine Valley Association (Chester County), and Dunmore Historical Society (Lackawanna County).

"We are pleased and inspired by the organizations' commitment to environmental stewardship and how the winning projects will generate enthusiasm and volunteerism in our communities," said Kathy L. Pape, president, PA American Water. She noted that the Environmental Grant Program is in its 11th year supporting local watershed improvement projects across the Commonwealth.

For more information, visit the PA American Water website.

9/28/2015