WATER LITERACY
Our Water Literacy Principles serve as the foundation of helping to create a water literate world.
As part of the development of the first Project WET Curriculum and Activity Guide, Project WET researched priority areas for water education. The results were distilled into a “conceptual framework” that guided the focus of the Project WET Curriculum and Activity Guide. When Project WET updated the Guide1.0—as it has come to be called—and published the new Project WET Curriculum and Activity Guide 2.0 in 2011, the “conceptual framework” was renamed as Water Literacy Principles.
Our Water Literacy Principles:
Water Has Unique Physical and Chemical Characteristics
The nature of the water molecule determines the physical properties of water and its behavior. The physical and chemical properties of water are unique and complex.
Water Connects All Earth Systems
Water is an integral part of Earth’s structure and plays a unique role in Earth’s processes. It is found in the atmosphere, on the surface, and underground. The water cycle is central to life on Earth and connects Earth systems.
Water Resources Are Managed
Multiple-use of water resources leads to diverse and sometimes conflicting demands, which require water resource management practices. Management decisions involve the distribution of water resources and the protection of acceptable water quality and quantity.
Water Resources Exist within Cultural Constructs
Cultures express connections to their unique water environments through art, music, language, and customs. Cultures around the world hold similar and contrasting views toward the water.
Water Is Essential for All Life to Exist
Life processes, from the level of the cell to that of the ecosystem, depend on water. Both the quantity and quality of water contribute to the sustainability of life on Earth.
Water Is a Natural Resource
All living things use water. The available freshwater supply on Earth is limited and must sustain multiple users. Multiple uses of water can lead to water resource issues.
Water Resources Exist within Social Constructs
Over time, societies develop water management systems and practices to meet the needs of diverse water users. People’s values, attitudes, and beliefs shape political and economic systems that are dynamic.
PROJECT WET PUBLICATIONS
Project WET has been researching, writing and publishing
water education materials since 1984.