The Mojave Water Agency (MWA) and Barstow College entered into a partnership in October 2003 to educate High Desert residents on the importance of conserving water. Under the new collaboration, Barstow College will develop the water education program while MWA contributes financial backing and technical assistance.

MWA donated funds to build a desert demonstration garden on the Barstow College campus designed to teach students and area residents about the advantages of drought-tolerant landscaping. The MWA and Barstow College are committed to teaching area residents about protecting vital water resources and joining in water conservation efforts that will help reduce annual overdraft, when water is pumped out of the ground faster than it can be naturally replenished.