FOCAAdmin  Jan.20.2017

From the DEP of New York:

We are excited to announce the launch of the New York City Department of Environmental Protection’s 31st annual Water Resources Art & Poetry Contest. Second through twelfth grade students attending New York City and East or West of Hudson Watershed public, independent, charter or parochial schools or home-schooled students are invited to create original art and compose poetry that reflect an appreciation for our shared water resources. Entries will be accepted online from now until Wednesday, March 8, 2017.

Last year, about 1,800 New York City and Watershed students submitted original poetry and artwork, including paintings, collages, three-dimensional models, photography, animation and videos of dance performances, public service announcements, and songs. This year, in celebration of the 175th anniversary of the Old Croton Aqueduct and the 100th anniversary of the Catskill Water Supply System, we have included new contest topics (and resource material) related to the history of the New York City Water Supply System.

Please click here - 2017 Art & Poetry Contest – to view contest guidelines, water themes and topics, resource materials, and past winning entries, and to submit entries online. The 2017 contest will focus on five central themes that incorporate STEM and humanities disciplines:

  • Water, A Precious Resource: To recognize the importance of a clean and plentiful supply of water.
  • New York City Water Supply System: To explore the history of the New York City Water Supply System and its present-day source, operation, delivery, protection, maintenance, and stewardship.
  • New York City Wastewater Treatment System: To examine the purpose of, and process for, cleaning used water in New York City and in the East and West of Hudson Watersheds.
  • Harbor Water Quality and Healthy Marine Ecosystems: To discover the richness of our marine life and opportunities for recreation and commerce on local waterbodies; and to understand the work that is being done to monitor and ensure healthy water quality.
  • Water Stewardship and Climate Change: What Can We Do To Help? To consider our influence on the environment and how we can address and help to resolve environmental issues that impact our neighborhoods, our city, and beyond.

Art and poetry entries will be judged (in grade categories) on creativity in interpreting one or more of the contest themes, accuracy of information, originality, and skill. Contest winners, called Water Champions, will be announced in April.

Please visit our website to learn more about the 31st annual Water Resources Art and Poetry Contest, and contact educationoffice@dep.nyc.gov with questions. Thank you. We look forward to receiving all of the wonderful entries from your students this year!