The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™

Places like Stokes State Forest in northern New Jersey provides fresh water for many communities downstream. © Nicholas T

Forests are the first step in keeping our water clean and pollution-free.

What is the Forest to Faucet Program?

Forest to Faucet is an educational program designed to help kids make the connection between forests and our freshwater resources, ensuring that the clean water we need to survive flows from our taps. 

The growing demand for clean drinking water, arable land and living space is placing unprecedented stress on our natural resources, including the fresh water we need to survive.

Human actions have a huge impact on water quality and quantity, yet most people have little understanding of where their water comes from or how their actions affect water. This lack of awareness is a big problem when scientists are predicting that by 2025 more than two-thirds of the world’s population could face water shortages.

The Forest to Faucet Program works with teachers throughout New Jersey to give them tools and training they need to educate their students about water conservation.  We offer lesson plans and other resources to help kids get outside and test their water quality. 

• If you are an educator and would like to learn more about the Program click here. 
• If you are a student and want to know how you can take action to protect your water click here.

Forests and our Faucets – What’s the Connection?

Forests are the first step in keeping our water clean and pollution-free. Our forests are “living filters” that provide us with clean water by intercepting and absorbing sediment, excess nutrients and pollutants.  Trees also help store water and release it slowly over time, enhancing water quantity. 

Most of the world’s population lives downstream of forested watersheds and, of the 100 largest cities, more than 40 percent rely on runoff from protected areas.

It is critical that we focus on freshwater conservation practices, especially as urban populations grow and the demand for water increases, because:

• Fresh water is one of the most crucial natural resources for humanity, yet freshwater ecosystems are severely under-protected and under-represented in the global network of protected areas.
• Many scientific studies have concluded that well-protected watersheds provide better quality water supplies. Better water quality means lower treatment costs to serve people's needs.
• The actions of individuals like you can make a difference in conserving our water resources.