The Municipal Water District of Orange County, Orange County Water District, Orange County Sanitation District, Irvine Ranch Water District, County of Orange - O.C. Watersheds, Orange County Stormwater Program and Project Pollution Prevention are holding O.C. the 3rd Annual O.C.Water Camp in summer 2009.   O.C. Water Camp is an interactive, week-long water education program for Orange County students, entering grades 8 and 9, who are interested in science and the environment.   Water Camp will give students the opportunity to visit state-of-the-art laboratories, take behind-the-scenes tours of wetlands and treatment facilities, and talk one-on-one with industry professionals and university professors.   Students will learn more about water science through hands-on activities and lessons designed to be both fun and informative.   At Water Camp, students will not only gain a better understanding of our water resources, where they come from, and what it takes to move water in and out of the community, but they will also be introduced to career paths in water-related fields. In 2009, there will be two, week-long sessions of Water Camp: the first, June 22-26, and the second, July 13-17. Sessions are held from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day.   Water Camp is headquartered at the Municipal Water District of Orange County, 18700 Ward Street in Fountain Valley, California.   In addition, tours and field trips will take students to various locations in Orange County, such as Huntington State Beach, and the San Joaquin Wildlife Sanctuary in Irvine. The purpose of Water Camp is to inform young people about the issues surrounding water and wastewater in our community and to introduce them to water-related professions.   Water is a vital resource; it is imperative that young people understand where our water comes from and how they can conserve water supplies and protect the environment.   Water Camp students may be the future of water science. They may pioneer the next wave of research, technology, and policy changes that will affect our everyday lives through the many uses of water. We will need safe, clean sources of water to take a shower, grow our food, water our lawns, produce new technology, and enjoy the natural beauty of a lake or river surrounded by wildlife.   Water Camp is an important first step in informing and encouraging the next generation of engineers, hydrogeologists, biologists, legislators, and utility experts to address critical water needs and pursue careers related to water. Water Campers will spend each day accompanied by a camp leader and assistants who will guide students through the daily activities.   Each activity is administered by a professional in the water industry who will involve students in discussion, hands-on experiments, interactive lessons, and tours of water and wastewater treatment plants, wetlands, laboratories, and other sites of interest.