News Details
Walnut High School Senior Recognized for Water Conservation through WVWD’s MeterHero Program
June 24, 2025
Walnut High School senior Daniella Vargas was recognized at the June 23rd Walnut Valley Water District (WVWD) Board Meeting for her exemplary participation in the MeterHero Program, a hands-on academic initiative focused on water conservation and sustainability.
As part of her AP Environmental Science (APES) class taught by Kathy May, Daniella evaluated her household’s water use and identified opportunities to further reduce consumption, even with existing high-efficiency fixtures like 0.8 GPF Niagara toilets. She introduced a high-efficiency Niagara shower head (1-1.5 GPM) and tracked water usage before and after installation, demonstrating its effectiveness in reducing overall consumption. Her data demonstrated a measurable reduction in overall water use, highlighting the impact of small, thoughtful changes.
The MeterHero Program, supported by WVWD in partnership with Walnut High School, provides students with real-world experience in environmental science and data analysis. Participants collect and analyze water meter data from their homes, then design and implement strategies to reduce usage. The program promotes sustainability, data literacy, and civic engagement.
This year’s recognition also marked the retirement of Kathy May, who has made significant contributions to the APES program. The District has partnered with her class for the past two years to implement the MeterHero Program. Her retirement closes an extraordinary chapter in education, but her influence continues through the students she has mentored and the values she has instilled.
WVWD commends both Daniella Vargas and Kathy May for their dedication to environmental stewardship and education. WVWD remains committed to fostering a culture of water conservation and environmental responsibility throughout the community. For more information about WVWD’s water education programs and upcoming student engagement opportunities, visit the school programs page.
