Positive Movement hosted the 3rd annual Aqua Jam on Friday. The mission was to spread awareness about water conservation and the environmental impact of using plastic water bottles.

“Our simple one sentence mission statement is to spread positivity — but to take positive action as well.” Matthew Haynie, a member of Positive Movement, said.  “Today is about water awareness and how precious water is.”

Live music from The Conifer, a local band, filled the air while students danced, networked and gained insight on the issues.

“You don’t get this ever, a band playing when you get out of class. The way they have this set up is really nice,” Andy Hendricks, an engineering student at CMU, said.

A taste test was set up to examine whether or not students could determine what source water was coming from, the tap or a plastic water bottle.

The demonstration was held throughout the event to suggest that the difference in taste is minimal, if at all. Students were asked to pledge against the use of plastic water bottles and educated on the environmental benefits in doing so. Alongside the water taste test was a collaborative art piece that students were encouraged to work on throughout the event. As the canvas filled, so did the University Center patio. Many students stopped by the Aqua Jam booths and stayed to watch the band play. A variety of stickers and reusable water bottles were being handed out, and T-shirts were for sale. “The whole idea (of Aqua Jam) started to take form three years ago, and now it’s starting to be recognized, which is a cool accomplishment,” Haynie said.

ljdavids@mavs.coloradomesa.edu