4/7/2025
You can turn on the tap any time to get a drink of clear, refreshing water. But did you ever think about where that water comes from, or how it gets there? Bring the whole family to Water Pool-ooza on the Lakeshore to have fun and find out!
This free event is sponsored by the City of Grand Rapids and GRCC, with funding provided by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It’s a great way for students and adults to learn about and become water champions. There will be guided tours, hands-on activities and more to engage students, particularly those in grades K-12.
Why is GRCC involved? Haley Kozal, W.K. Kellogg Empower Program Manager, explains that professionals who can help prepare and preserve drinking water are critically important.
“This event is designed to engage young people in thinking about water as a resource and a career,” Kozal said. “Fresh drinking water is a precious resource. We need people to enter this career because it directly impacts public health and environmental sustainability. Water Pool-ooza is a fun way to see what happens behind the scenes at a water treatment plant. It will help students think about conservation as well as careers in water management.”
Clean drinking water is an essential resource, but most people don’t think about it as a career choice.
“GRCC’s Water to Work program allows students to earn a certificate in water technology,” Kozal said. “Students who are accepted into this program enjoy a free education, including tuition, books, fees and support services — thanks to the partnership between GRCC, Bay College and local municipalities. They are also paid for working at a partnering municipality during their education. All of this is funded by the EPA. ”
Students who graduate from this one-year program earn a certificate in Water Technology. Then they need to pass a licensing exam in November that is administered by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE). After that, they are authorized to work in a variety of water-related careers.
“All of our Water to Work certificate earners have passed the EGLE licensing test,” Kozal said. “They are also all employed in full-time positions.”
The Water to Work program currently offers six positions in partnership with the City of Grand Rapids, but GRCC has plans to expand to four more municipalities. The application period for fall of 2025 will open later this spring. The classroom portion of the program is offered fully online, so students do not need to come to campus for classes. They just need to travel to the municipality where their internship is offered.
“This one-year program fills up very quickly,” Kozal said. “If you are interested in applying, please visit our website and join the mailing list."
Water Pool-ooza on the Lakeshore will be held at the City of Grand Rapids Water Treatment Facility on Saturday, April 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The address is 17350 Lake Michigan Drive, in West Olive (approximately 30 miles from downtown Grand Rapids). This indoor event is fully accessible, with sidewalks and elevators that allow everyone to enjoy the activities.
Registration is not required for general admission, but it is highly recommended if you want to participate in a guided tour. Tours will be offered every 30 minutes starting at 10 a.m. and running through 2 p.m. You can learn more and register here.
Our sincere thanks to the EPA and the City of Grand Rapids for making this event possible.
Learn more about the Water to Work program on GRCC’s website
This story reported by Julie Hordyk