MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- The days are getting longer and the weather is getting warmer, which means more outdoor activities such as swimming. Warmer weather also means more water consumption.
But where does the Station get all of this water?
Matthew C. Perry Elementary school students found out recently when they toured the Nishimi Water Plant in Iwakuni.
The hour-long tour showed the students how the water plant gets its water from the Nishiki River and processes it at different stations to get the tap water we drink.
"Seeing the process of water that comes out of a relatively dirty stream or river," said Senior Chief Petty Officer James Trocke, Utilities chief and tour coordinator, "and then watching its transformation into pure and clean drinking water is amazing, especially when you taste it at the end."
Douglas Barret, an M.C. Perry 6th grader and tour participant, seemed to agree.
"It was a great tour," said Barret. "I never knew so much went into making clean drinking water before the tour. I learned a lot."
The third- and fourth-grade classes took the tour in the morning, with the sixth graders touring the water plant in the afternoon.
"The kids were really enthusiastic and interested in everything that goes on here," said Trocke.
The tour was part of an ongoing effort on the part of the Station to educate the public about the importance of water conservation.
"Water is our most precious natural asset," said Trocke. "It is vital to educate our children on the importance of conserving our natural resources. This field trip is a step in the right direction, and hopefully it will lay a good foundation for conservation awareness throughout their lives."