The “Wall of Water”: An Innovative Approach to Advancing Water Conservation and Quality Awareness in Florida
Sustainable Agriculture and Natural Resources
Yilin Zhuang
Water Resources Regional Specialized Agent
University of Florida
Apopka
Abstract
Florida’s water resources are fundamental to daily life, yet increasing population growth continues to intensify pressure on water availability and quality. As a result, Extension plays a critical role in educating residents about safeguarding this limited resource. The roaming “Wall of Water” display was developed as an interactive tool to increase public awareness of water conservation and water quality issues and to encourage practical behavior changes in both indoor and outdoor water use. The display consists of a 20 foot-long, 5 foot high frame holding 20 upright PVC pipes, each supporting 10 one gallon water bottles for a visual representation of 200 gallons of water. A video tutorial was created to guide agents and volunteers in assembling and using the display. To engage audiences, quizzes were developed covering general water conservation and quality concepts, as well as county-specific issues. Versions for elementary, middle, and high school students were aligned with Florida Sunshine State Standards and piloted with K–12 educators. Quizzes were offered in both hard copy and digital formats via QR code and Qualtrics, with the online version providing immediate feedback. Hard copy responses were reviewed by booth staff. Each quiz concluded with a checklist of conservation practices participants intended to adopt at home. To date, the display has been featured at nine events across seven counties, generating 409 quiz responses. Participants achieved an average score of 68%, with 83% indicating they were likely to share what they learned. All participants selected at least one conservation practice to implement. The “Wall of Water” represents an innovative and visually impactful approach to increasing public understanding of groundwater protection, impaired waterbodies, and efficient irrigation. By combining interactive learning with clear calls to action, the program promotes meaningful behavior change to help protect Florida’s essential water resources.
Authors: Yilin Zhuang, Norma Samuel, Maria Bautista, Judy Jean, Ondine Wells, Jamielyn Daughtery
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Yilin Zhuang Water Resources Regional Specialized Agent, UF/IFAS Extension Central District, Florida, 32703
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Norma Samuel Central District Extension Director, UF/IFAS Extension Central District, Florida, 32611
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Maria Bautista Residential Horticulture Agent, UF/IFAS Extension Lake County, Florida, 32778
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Judy Jean Special Projects, UF/IFAS Extension Central District, Florida, 32611
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Ondine Wells Water Resources Extension Agent, UF/IFAS Extension Marion County, Florida, 34470
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Jamielyn Daughtery Florida-Friendly Landscaping and Urban Forestry Agent, UF/IFAS Extension Sumter County, Florida, 32162