In addition to racing solar-powered boats in this weekend’s Solar Cup™ event, 41 Southland high school teams will showcase research projects examining water conservation, seawater desalination, recycled water and other technologies that could eventually be of help in a dry year such as the conditions California is currently experiencing.

“Solar Cup promotes hands-on application of engineering lessons, and has introduced thousands of Southern California students and their families and friends to the importance of water conservation, management of natural resources, and green energy sources—all of which become more important in this driest year on record in California,” said Timothy F. Brick, chairman of the board of directors of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.

“As Southern Californians raised with a water-conservation ethic,” Brick said, “it’s extremely gratifying to see these young people enhance their knowledge and appreciation for natural resources through projects such as Solar Cup.  These are well-rounded leaders of tomorrow.”

Students’ resource-management research projects will be exhibited at Solar Cup, which is open to the public free of charge 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday at Lake Skinner, near Temecula.

The teams’ research papers are evaluated and awarded points by Metropolitan prior to the event, while the visual displays are judged and scored at the event.  The scores are added to points the teams earn in Saturday’s solar-boat endurance races and Sunday’s sprint races.

“The titles of the students’ research projects certainly show a great interest in a wide variety of Southern California water issues,” said Metropolitan General Manager Jeff Kightlinger.

“One team is looking into the appearance of the invasive and destructive quagga mussels in the Colorado River and Metropolitan aqueduct system,” Kightlinger said.  “Another team is looking into the potential effects of global warming on Southern California’s water supply; another school has researched the construction and stability of the levees of the Sacramento River Delta.

“These are certainly timely and cutting-edge issues for California,” Kightlinger said, “and we’re looking forward to seeing and reading the students’ findings; a new approach and a fresh set of eyes are often helpful in problem solving.”

Other research topics include an analysis of the irrigation needs of a typical grass lawn; fluoride in drinking water; groundwater pollution from seawater intrusion, landfills; cost-benefit analysis of tap water versus bottled water; and whether decorative public fountains are water-wasteful.

In addition to the students’ research displays, this weekend’s Solar Cup event includes exhibits of California Friendly® water-saving appliances and plants, and an activities pavilion for children and adults.

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California is a cooperative of 26 cities and water agencies serving 18 million people in six counties. The district imports water from the Colorado River and Northern California to supplement local supplies, and helps its members to develop increased water conservation, recycling, storage, and other resource-management programs.