New Hydro Station Aims to Educate Students About Water Industry Careers
In partnership with the Sweetwater Authority and Chula Vista Elementary School District (CVESD), the Otay Water District announced the opening of the first Hydro Station in California on Aug. 15, 2019.
The Hydro Station, at Sweetwater Authority’s Richard A. Reynolds Groundwater Desalination Facility in Chula Vista, is an interactive educational space that houses learning exhibits and hands-on activities.
Every year, more than 4,000 CVESD fifth-grade students will have the chance to experience the Hydro Station, where they will learn about the ecological cycle of water, water conservation, water quality, and careers in the water industry.
Community leaders gathered at the Reynolds Desalination Facility on Aug. 15 for the opening of the Hydro Station.
Fifth-grade students learn about the ecological cycle of water, water quality, and conservation.
“The Hydro Station introduces our students to the world of work in the water industry and inspires them at an early age to consider careers in science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics,” said Superintendent of CVESD Dr. Francisco Escobedo. “With this station, we expose students to careers that can change the trajectory of entire families, opening the door to high-wage careers that our students might not have thought were possible. The students also explore ways to make the world a better place through clean water, and water conservation.”
More than 2,800 professionals work in the water and wastewater sector at the San Diego County Water Authority and its 24 member retail agencies, including the Otay Water District. One-third of these professionals will be eligible for retirement in the next few years. As the region experiences this significant number of “Baby Boomer” generation retirements, the Hydro Station is expected to encourage students to consider careers as professionals in the water industry.
“I have served many years in the water industry, which has allowed me to experience the evolving industry climate firsthand. The high level of retirements, new technologies, and increased demand for safe drinking water all contribute to the availability of good, stable careers and employment,” said Otay General Manager Mark Watton. “We want to make sure that a rewarding career in the water and wastewater industry is within reach for as many local students as possible who are vocational or college bound, and the Hydro Station helps us do that.”
For information or updates on the Hydro Station, follow @CV_HydroSt on Twitter.