The City of Arlington launched its Dive into Conservation Education website at the Spring Water Awareness Night 2002 on April 11. Youth can now learn about water science, conservation, gardening, the environment and more through the new interactive site at www.ci.arlington.tx.us/water.

"After planning, creating, researching and talking with local teachers, we are excited to launch our site for the education and enjoyment of our community," said Water Utilities Web Developer Sharon Ellington. "We hope the site will appeal to many different ages and will be used as a tool for parents, educators and children."

The website offers downloadable wallpapers, interactive drip calculators, games, a guide to planning a water-friendly garden and links to other water-minded sites.

"The City’s site is large and dynamic, and now it has a fun component for youth," said City Web Developer Fred Odoul who worked with the Water Department to develop the site. The website is a collaborative effort of the City’s Water Utilities Department and the Office of Communication.

To guide the user through the site, the City introduced Professor Clearwater and his dog, Spout. The characters were created especially for the Water Department by Kevin Smith, whose father is Interim Meter Services Manager Ron Smith. Kevin Smith is currently in the United States Armed Forces serving in Operation Endeavor.

"This is phase one of the Water Department’s new conservation website," Ellington said. "We are planning more collaboration and partnerships with more school teachers to help educate students on the importance of water conservation. We plan to develop more characters to join the Professor and Spout in spreading the message of being water smart."