Normal, Ill. – Sept. 15, 2026 – On Sept. 14, the Bloomington & Normal Water Reclamation District (BNWRD) Board of Trustees approved $2 million in funding for a water exhibit at the Children’s Discovery Museum in support of water cycle and quality educational programming.
“We are committed to education and public engagement,” says BNWRD Executive Director Tim Ervin. “Educating the public about current and future water quality, safety and conservation helps promote responsible water use and conservation practices.”
“This is an investment in both water education and the community’s future: BNWRD is partnering with the Children’s Discovery Museum and local organizations to help approximately 2 million people better understand, value and protect our most essential natural resource,” he adds.
A community partnership
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BNWRD’s sponsorship of this educational component aligns with the Town’s commitment to sustainability and reinforces their partnership with the Ecology Action Center and the Town of Normal Water Department.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with BNWRD. The Town has a long history of commitment to the environment, and this work aligns directly to the Town’s Vision 2050/Sustainability Plan,” says Town of Normal Mayor Chris Koos. “Our community depends on water every day, but water’s journey from the natural environment to our homes and back again is a story many may not fully understand.”
Ervin agrees, citing BNWRD’s desire to increase residents' knowledge about water quality, watershed protection, utility operations, water-related careers and practical conservation measures as a key component for the exhibit sponsorship.
“Educating people about water stewardship at an early age before habits are fully formed helps children develop conservation-minded values they can carry into adulthood,” adds Ervin. “We all benefit from that.”
About the exhibit and sponsorship
The exhibit will provide hands-on educational experiences to help children and families understand the journey of water through natural ecosystems, community infrastructure and the water reclamation process.
“The Children’s Discovery Museum is excited about this community partnership,” says Town of Normal Cultural Arts Director Beth Whisman. “This exhibit will allow children and families to explore water’s journey in a way that is hands-on, engaging and fun. It will also reinforce the important role they play in protecting and managing this vital resource.”
In its expected 20-year lifespan, the exhibit will serve about 2 million children, families, educators and community members.
“All of our exhibits inspire curiosity and imagination. Thanks to the BNWRD partnership, we will create a lasting educational resource that promotes responsible water use and conservation throughout the region,” adds Whisman.
The $2 million sponsorship will expand the Children’s Discovery Museum’s indoor footprint by enclosing the museum’s existing portico and columns to accommodate the future water exhibit. Once the floor expansion is complete, educational displays will serve visitors of all ages. BNWRD expects to fund the project by issuing bonds in 2026 (Debt Certificate 2026B).
About the Children’s Discovery Museum
The Children’s Discovery Museum inspires children and families to explore, create and discover through hands-on learning experiences. Located in Uptown Normal, the museum provides engaging experiences for children of all ages and their families, with opportunities to learn through play, experimentation and discovery. Its mission is to nurture the whole child by encouraging critical thinking, engaging creative expression and stimulating curiosity through the power of play.
In 2025, the museum welcomed visitors from 283 communities across 40 Illinois counties. These 128,547 visitors took part in the museum’s daily admission, field trips and diverse educational programs, making it a vibrant hub of learning and exploration for children and families alike. In 2025, the museum provided affordable access to 15,500 children, teachers and chaperones from 190 schools across the region. Of those served, 68% were rural and considered underserved communities.
About BNWRD
The Bloomington & Normal Water Reclamation District protects public health and the environment by responsibly treating the community’s wastewater. Through reliable operations, innovative practices and a commitment to sustainability, BNWRD removes pollutants from wastewater and returns clean water safely to the environment.
Serving Bloomington, Normal and surrounding areas, BNWRD manages the process of collecting, treating and reclaiming wastewater generated by homes, businesses and industries. Its work protects local waterways, supports a healthy community and ensures a sustainable water future for generations to come.
