New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton and the New York Water Environment Association (NYWEA) today announced the theme for the annual water conservation poster contest for middle school students: "Water Connects Us All.” The 2026 poster theme challenges middle school students to learn about their role in the watershed where they live and the positive actions they can take to conserve, protect, and celebrate our water resources, now and for future generations.
“DEC is excited to launch the 21st water conservation poster contest which, for two decades, helps inspire New York's next generation of environmental stewards,” Commissioner Lefton said. “The poster contest theme ‘Water Connects Us All,’ encourages young people across New York State to become guardians of their watersheds and helps remind all New Yorkers of the daily actions each of us can take to protect and conserve our precious, connected water resources.”
"This poster contest is one of the things that makes NYWEA members proud of what we do,” NYWEA Executive Director Khris Dodson said. “I am even more proud of all of the watershed champions we now have because of the involvement of the students and teachers who have participated throughout the years."
Since 2004, the annual poster contest encourages 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 advised to visit DEC's website for more information about participating in the 2025-26 school year contest. Poster entries will be accepted through Jan. 2, 2026. The 14 winning posters will be featured in DEC and NYWEA's 2027 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 to 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 Plan 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.
