7 Rivers Water Festival

7 Rivers Water Festival Returns To Winter Haven

Special to T&T Magazine

Polk County’s biggest water conservation event, the 7 Rivers Water Festival, will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 18 in Winter Haven’s Central Park, 1-35 4th St. NW.

The 7 Rivers Water Festival is a free, family-friendly event where you can discover many ways to save water, help the environment and save money. Excess water use and conservation ideas will be explained using fun activities for the whole family. Live animals will also be on display for selfie photos, free water-conserving fixtures will be available as well as irrigation advice, plant sales, music and water-related crafts and games.

If you’re interested in running a 5K, cruising on a boat or curious about water conservation and how your utility works, check out this year’s 7 Rivers Water Festival.

Registration for several events, including the 5K race, water tours and boat cruise at the festival are now open. There is also a special tour available for those who want to see the inner workings of a wastewater treatment facility. But act quickly as seats are limited.

Those who wish to pre-register for these events should visit https:// www.polk-county.net/utilities/7- rivers-water-festival.

BOAT TOUR

This is a 30min complimentary pontoon boat tour exploring the Chain of Lakes to better understand the importance of water conservation in our area. This tour will explore several lakes and the guests will learn about how our community is affected by environmental and human conditions. You will also learn about some of the history and wildlife. Complimentary bottled water will be provided. There is a bimini top for shade that covers part of the boat; however we recommend wearing sunblock and a sunhat just in case. All children 6 and under are required to wear life jackets at all times. These will be provided.

IMPORTANT: Although these are complimentary cruises you will be asked for a credit card at the time of reservation. Your credit card will not be charged unless you do not show up or cancel your cruise. This is necessary to ensure that people with reservations attend their tour since we have very limited seating but great demand and need to ensure everyone interested has ample opportunity to attend. The no show fee will be $25 per ticket reserved and will be non-refundable. You will receive reminder emails and texts to help you remember your departure time.

You must register for the FREE tour, https://www.polk-county.net/ utilities/7-rivers-water-festival

5K RUN

Registration 6:30 am, race starts at 7:30 am. Sign up: https://runsignup. com/Race/FL/WinterHaven/7RiversWaterFestival5k

TOUR WATER PLANT

As part of the 7 Rivers Water Festival this year the City of Winter Haven is hosting tours of their Water Plant and Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Don't let the wastewater part scare you - the process of cleaning this water up for discharge is fascinating to see and learn about, and helps protect our water resources - If you wonder where the water goes after it leaves your home, you will not want to miss these tours! Sat, Sept 18 at 9 am and 11 pm. Located 2745 Motor Pool Rd, Winter Haven. Must register for tour: https://www.eventbrite. com/e/7rivers-water-festival-wastewater-treatment-plant-tour-tickets-154735828027