What is the EnviroScape® Model?

The EnviroScape® is a portable, interactive educational table top model that demonstrates the many sources of non-point source pollution and how it can affect inland and coastal waterways. It is a hands-on education and communication tool that is effective for all ages and allows the participants to relate water pollution sources in their own communities to the impacts on our creeks, bays and ocean.

The model features typical sections of urban communities and demonstrates how everyday activities can contribute to water pollution. The users of the model interact with it by sprinkling different types of materials such as powdered drink mixes or cocoa onto the surface and then generating a rainstorm by using a spray bottle and spraying water onto the model. The user is then able to observe how the pollutants are "picked up" since the water is now the color of the drink mix or cocoa and observe how it travels from the land surface, through the creeks and ultimately to the coastal area. The model also emphasizes pollution prevention with a follow-up demonstration that shows how to prevent such pollution through the use of best management practices (BMPs).

The Orange County Stormwater Program has purchased both the non-point source and coastal models for various public outreach events throughout the year. If you are interested in having one of the models at a public event or educational class, please call the Orange County Stormwater Program at (714) 567-6363 or e-mail to Jenna.Voss@rdmd.ocgov.com.