Water awareness mini-grants awarded to 23 teachers

To help promote freshwater-resource education, awareness and projects, the Lake County Water Authority has awarded $22,627.70 in mini grants to 23 public- and private-school teachers.

Some of the annual "Drop-by-Drop: You Make a Difference" mini-grants will be used for taking students to the Lake County landfill, recycling center, local wastewater treatment facility, Lake County water resource lab, Astatula sand mine and Tavares wastewater treatment plant.

The Water Authority also awarded $11,072.30 for mini-grants to community groups.

A unique community grant is a partnership with the GFWC Umatilla Woman's Club and the Umatilla High School art program — "Save a Drop and Change a Life." The UHS art students will paint and decorate toothbrush holders to be given away as a prize in a water conservation contest to be held at the Umatilla Community Day celebration on March 25.

Since 2001, the water authority has awarded more than $390,000 to organizations and educators through its grant program.