More than 500 fourth graders, including students from each of the county’s three school systems, attended the fourth annual Covington County Groundwater Festival held Friday on the Andalusia campus of Lurleen B. Wallace Community College. Students and their teachers enjoyed the day as this annual event helped teach the students about the importance of protecting and conserving the county’s groundwater as well as other natural resources. Covington County depends solely on groundwater for its consumable water supply.

The fourth grade students participated in three different “hands on” water activities. Through these experiments they learned about pollution, the need to conserve and manage our water resources, groundwater aquifers and the water cycle. In the weeks prior to the festival, representatives of the Alabama Rural Water Association visited each fourth grade class with a model of a water aquifer.

Student volunteers from Andalusia High School, Opp High School, Red Level High School, Pleasant Home High School and Straughn’s Jobs for Alabama Graduates program, along with other community water enthusiasts, served as presenters and tour guides for the day and also assisted with supplies and activities.

The theme for the event was “Groundwater, A Hidden Treasure.” The winner of the art contest was Ashley Martin, a student at Pleasant Home Elementary School whose winning entry was featured on each festival t-shirt. Each student, teacher, and volunteer received a free t-shirt. The festival is free for students and teachers. Funding is provided by many generous sponsors and partners.