ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
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We have several "hands-in" water features and are always impressed with not
only what the visitor contributes to the water system but also the amount of
water that leaves with the visitor. There's a lot of hours in maintenance.
Kathryn Briggs
Exploris
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-----Original Message-----
From: Informal Science Education Network
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Chris Wallace
Hostetler
Sent: Friday, February 25, 2005 2:39 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: outdoor water exhibit question


ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related
institutions.
****************************************************************************
*

We are in the planning stages for an outdoor interactive water exhibit. We
have a planning grant to address some water quality issues with stormwater
and irrigation water that move through our site, and also to create some
interactive exhibits that allow visitors to play with water flow,
measurement (quality and quantity), sediment, pumps, etc. 

We are considering whether the water that comes through our site and is
treated for flow and sediment issues (through detention pond and wetland
area) can also be the same water that visitors handle if it is pumped
through the exhibit area. The question is one of public health - either from
what the visitors might inadvertently contribute to the water or what they
are picking up.

Obviously the water will be monitored for public safety concerns but I am
having difficulty identifying if it is a problem in visitors adding
contaminants to the water. 

We are considering either keeping the water systems separate or adding a
hand washing station for before and after water play. I would love to hear
any insight from anyone who has considered these issues.

Chris Wallace Hostetler
Executive Director
ScienceWorks Hands-On Museum
1500 East Main
Ashland, Oregon 97520
541-482-6767 ext. 31
 
"Nature and art are too sublime to aim at purpose, nor need they, for
relationships are everywhere present, and relationships are life." - Goethe
 

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More information about the Informal Science Education Network and the
Association of Science-Technology Centers may be found at http://www.astc.org.
To remove your e-mail address from the ISEN-ASTC-L list, send the
message  SIGNOFF ISEN-ASTC-L in the BODY of a message to
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