A project created and focused on the important role of water and how it is connected with our daily lives. Directly or indirectly, water affects all facets of life. Without it, there would be no vegetation on land, no oxygen for animals to breathe and the planet would look entirely different than it does today. Water is necessary to keep people's bodies and the environment healthy and should be valued and protected as the precious resource it is. Water pollution is any change in water quality that has a negative effect on living organisms and those who need to utilize the water supply. This pollution can affect any large mass of water - streams, ponds, lakes, oceans, etc. Freshwater streams have the ability to recover from small amounts of pollution due to their continuous motion. They can, however affect small portions of the stream, deemed the septic zone where "trash" fish reside carp and leeches). Lakes, on the other hand, are not as effectively self-monitored. "Dilution" does not work as a "solution" to this type of water pollution. Due to the little movement, toxins settle to the bottom, killing the organisms and disrupting the food chain. Previously thought of as a large, replenishing body, the ocean, just like any other body of water, can only tolerate so much. The major source of ocean pollution is oil spills, not to mention the overpopulation of coastal regions which contributes to the decay of the ocean. Currently, 40% of the world lives within 63 miles of the ocean. The creatures residing in the water sources are impacted. Microscopic, non-biodegradable plastics alone make their way through the food chain beginning with phytoplankton. At the same time, bacteria from septic systems destroys shellfish beds and oxygen depleted areas create "dead zones" in which no animal can thrive, or even live. Rising nitrogen levels can lead to red tides - poisoning fish and marine mammals. Large, non-biodegradable plastics (such as can ties and plastic bags) can kill or suffocate animals whom mistake these for food and become trapped. By preserving and supporting good water quality we benefit the environment, public health, and the protection of water resources for future generations. The project aimed to promote ways of protecting this rich necessity, through interactive activities based on Non Formal Education methods with emphasis in the power of environmental volunteering activities and citizen science. The objectives of this project were: - Develop proactive attitudes among young people towards environmental issues - Increase the appreciation of water resources - Educate for the sustainability of water ecosystems - Promote and value the power of citizen science and environmental volunteering - Increase the knowledge level of youngsters in environmental monitoring - Empower youth to take an active role in local communities. - Stimulate participation and involvement of young people in volunteering activities.