Since the inception of the Irvine Unified School District’s science fair more than 30 years ago, Irvine Ranch Water District professionals have assisted, whether it’s advising during Ask-a-Scientist Night, or judging the water-related science fair projects. This year was no exception and four winners were selected for honors during the science fair on February 24.

Of the several hundred entries, 30 were water-related. Many of the students must have had the drought on their minds, if the subjects were any indication. Some examined the use of gray water, others desalination, some conducted water quality and pollution experiments and some dealt with water chemistry.

The students will be honored at the June 8 IRWD Board of Directors meeting. Judging this year were Melinda Bergen, a supervisor in the chemistry section of the IRWD Water Quality Laboratory, and Jacob Broderick, Water Quality Scientist.

Students whose projects were selected are:

• Hari Garg, grade 11 and Anita Garg, grade 9, University High School, “Pathogen Detection in Southern California Water Using a Particle Counter
• Annie Chang and Daisy Chen, grade 10, Woodbridge High School, “Multi-method Analysis and Spatial Modeling of Bacterial Dynamics in Newport Bay
• Sofia Abolfathi, grade 8, Vista Verde, “Seawater can be Used to Replenish Inland Aquifers”
• Pranathi Kollolli, grade 6, Alderwood, “Solar Powered Water Desalination”

For more information on the IRWD educational programs, please visit our website.