Tara Elementary students learn about water conservation

Kassy Palacios, a fifth grader at Tara Elementary School, grabbed a bottle and began to spray the watershed model in front of her.

She and some of her classmates used the spray bottles to simulate rain. They watched as the water washed away the spices that represented fertilizer, pesticides, excrement and oil. It all flowed into the body of water that represented Lake Manatee.

Before their eyes, they saw the water change color from the impacts of what represented the pollutants and contaminants.

Although it was a plastic model with toy vehicles, houses, trees and buildings, the students were able to see the potential real-world impacts of how pollutants and contaminants can impact a local water source.

The model was a part of a presentation from Manatee County Utilities on water conservation and its importance.

Tina Moutoux, a water conservation outreach specialist with Manatee County Utilities, said the model helps students see how small actions can impact water sources.