Drinking Water and Health Newsletter: Resources for Kids and Educators

Michigan Dept of Health & Human Services sent this bulletin at 01/09/2026 08:45 AM EST

Drinking Water and Health Resources for Kids and Educators!

It's never too early to start learning about drinking water and the importance of taking care of our water sources. It is critical for the health of generations to come.

To help children learn about drinking water and health, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is offering the following resources for use in the classroom or at home:

Video: Where does your drinking water come from?

In this video, Dewy the Water Drop explains how water from the environment makes its way into our homes to become our drinking water. You will learn about the water cycle, watersheds, groundwater, surface water and the ways that drinking water can be supplied to our homes, including private residential wells and public water supplies. By the end of the video, we hope you have a better understanding of where drinking water comes from.

Youth activity books

These activity books include coloring pages, word searches, mazes, puzzles, activities and more to help you understand where drinking water comes from. To view the activity books, visit the Drinking Water Materials for Kids and Educators page or click the links below.

Lower elementary (Grades K-2)

Upper elementary (Grades 3-5)

Well water word search and maze

MDHHS has developed worksheets to raise awareness about drinking water for older students. These well water mazes and word searches are recommended for older elementary-aged students and middle school aged students. You can order copies of the worksheets on the MDHHS Clearinghouse website, view the maze and word search on our Materials for Kids and Educators webpage or click the links below to see each activity.

Upper Elementary

Middle School

Step Up for Water Quality Bracelet Activity

This bracelet-making activity is a fun way to learn about protecting the environment! As you string different colored beads, the worksheet will explain how everyday actions can affect the water we drink. Once the bracelet is tied, it reminds you that everyone has a role in keeping water clean. The activity is paired with a short video that shows why water quality is important and gives simple tips on how we can all help protect it. Click to view the activity worksheet or check it out on our Materials for Kids and Educators webpage.

Then, watch the video that goes along with the activity below:

Step Up for Water Quality Video.

Youth activity kits

These fun kits include our Youth Activity Books, Step Up for Water Quality Bracelet activity, Dewy stickers and bookmarks, markers and colored pencils all put together in one fun drinking water themed drawstring bag.

You can order these bags on the MDHHS Clearinghouse website. There are bags available for grades K-5.

Learning Lesson Demonstrations

The MDHHS Environmental Health Bureau has developed learning lessons to educate residents on how they can protect their health from environmental hazards. These learning lessons share best practices and offer educational activities to learn about reducing exposure to environmental hazards.

Lessons can range from five minutes to 20 minutes in length and are appropriate for both kids and adults.

You can find out more about Learning Lessons and how to request a demonstration by visiting the Community Guide on our website.

Learn More

For more children’s activities and school resources for educators (K-12) visit the Care for MI Drinking Water website Materials for Kids and Educators Page. If you missed one of our previous newsletters, they are posted on our website. Visit the Care for MI Drinking Water website Learn More page.

A little bit about the newsletter

Thank you for subscribing to our Drinking Water and Health Newsletter. We are excited to share important information with you! Through this newsletter, our goal is to help you stay informed about your drinking water quality and what role you play in protecting it. This newsletter will offer science-based, up-to-date information about how harmful substances in drinking water can affect health. It will provide you with resources to help you better understand your likelihood of exposure to contaminants and help you make informed decisions to protect yourself and your family.

As a subscriber, you will also be updated about virtual, local and state-wide educational opportunities for you and your family to get involved in. This edition is about resources for kids and educators.

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