IWPCA Announces Student Competition Winners

The Iowa Water Pollution Control Association (IWPCA) is pleased to announce that Megan Bartholomew of Central Lee High School has been selected as the state winner of the Stockholm Junior Water Prize for her science project entitled “The Natural Way, Effects of Typhaminima on Contaminated Freshwater Systems.” Megan’s project involved using cattails to remove oil pollution from water. Representatives from IWPCA selected Megan’s project based on her research and presentation at the State Science and Technology Fair of Iowa. Megan was awarded a cash prize of $500 and the IWPCA will sponsor Megan, along with her science teacher, Alicia Schiller, to attend the national competition to be held in Phoenix, AZ on June 21-23, 2007. This winner will represent the United States at the international Stockholm Junior Water Prize competition in Sweden during World Water Week, August 11-17, 2007.

Andy Venzke (left) of the IWPCA and Megan Bartholomew, state winner of the Stockholm Junior Water Prize.

The Iowa Water Pollution Control Association (IWPCA) is also pleased to announce that Rachel Dykstra and Colby Hoyer of Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School have been selected as the junior division winners of its Environment Excellence Award for their science project entitled “Stayin’ Alive?” Rachel’s and Colby’s project involved testing various home methods to make water from the Mississippi River safe to drink. Representatives from IWPCA selected their project at the State Science and Technology Fair of Iowa. Rachel and Colby were awarded a cash prize of $100 and certificates attesting to this accomplishment.

Rachel Dykstra (left) and Colby Hoyer with Andy Venzke of the IWPCA

The IWPCA is an association of municipal and private operators, regulators, engineers, teachers, vendors and students who promote the responsible treatment of wastewater in order to return the valuable resource of clean water safely back to the environment.