DEC ANNOUNCES 22nd ANNUAL MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT POSTER CONTEST THEME: “WATER CONNECTS US ALL”

 

Department of Environmental Conservation

Poster Contest Submissions Accepted Through January 8, 2027

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton and the New York Water Environment Association (NYWEA) today announced the annual water conservation poster contest for middle school students. The 2027 “Water Connects Us All” poster theme challenges middle school students to learn about their role in the watershed they live in and what positive actions they can take to conserve, protect, and celebrate our water resources, now and for future generations.

“For two decades, the water conservation poster contest has helped inspire New York's next generation of environmental stewards,” Commissioner Lefton said. “This year’s theme encourages young people across New York State to become guardians of their watersheds and reminds all New Yorkers of the everyday actions each of us can take to protect and conserve precious water resources.”

"This poster contest is one of the things that makes NYWEA members proud of what we do,” NYWEA President, Vijesh Karatt Vellatt said. “I am even more proud of all of the teachers who have become our watershed champions who have inspired the students to participate over the years."

Since 2004, DEC’s annual poster contest has encouraged thousands of middle school students across New York State to learn about their role in protecting local watersheds and how to conserve and safeguard water resources. Previous themes include "Create a Watershed Superhero", "We All Live in a Watershed", "Conserve and Protect our Watersheds", and "The Importance of Wastewater Treatment." 

New York State teachers, schools, and clubs are encouraged to visit DEC's website for more information about participating in the 2026-27 school year contest. Posters will be accepted through January 8, 2027. The 14 winning posters will be featured in DEC and NYWEA's 2028 Annual Calendar.

The poster contest helps raise awareness of the importance of natural resources and the DEC programs that help reduce water pollution and improve water quality. DEC is one of several New York State agencies funding projects that protect and restore water quality through statewide grant funding opportunities.

To see if your area is covered by a Clean Water Plan, check out DECInfo Locator under the Environmental Monitoring layer category or visit DEC’s Clean Water Plans page. To learn more about positive actions New Yorkers can take to protect and conserve New York's waters, visit DEC's Keep Water Clean and Water Quality Management webpages.