Water is quickly becoming an “endangered species” on our planet. As an increasing amount of urban development takes place, storm water run-off increases, which harms natural waterways. To learn ways you can conserve this important resource inside and outside of the home, check out the new Rain Xchange exhibit on the main exhibit floor.
Designed to look like a living room overlooking a patio, the exhibit demonstrates how rainfall off the roof can be collected and reused in a variety of ways, such as in the garden. The living reef aquarium contains fish and corals that were aquacultured, demonstrating conservative reef-keeping and ways to give back to our oceans.
Designed, built and maintained by Something Fishy, Inc., the exhibit offers a variety of ideas for ways you can help our environment.
Did you know?
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Water can not soak into asphalt, concrete or shingles. It flows very quickly off these surfaces and carries a variety of pollutants, from dust and dirt to oils, fertilizers and pesticides in the process. This mixture flows quickly into storm sewers and, in some cases, ponds and streams.
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According to the EPA, urban run-off is the #1 cause of pollution in coastal environments.
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Almost 50 percent of our stream miles, 45 percent of lake acres and 35 percent of estuary and bay square miles surveyed by the EPA are considered below the standards for fishing and swimming.
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One inch of rainfall on a 2,000-square-foot residential roof generates 1,250 gallons of water that can be reused.
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Running a sprinkler for two hours can use up to 500 gallons of water.
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The average U.S. household with a 10,000-square-foot lot uses up to 3,000 gallons of water weekly for landscape irrigation.
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Animals & Exhibits 
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