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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 19-039
May 20, 2019
Contact: deppressoffice@dep.nyc.gov, (718) 595-6600

Student Art & Poetry Contest Inspires Next Generation of Environmental Stewards

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Entries and Photos from the Event are Available on DEP’s Flickr Page

The New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) hosted a celebration for student participants of the 33rd Annual Water Resources Art and Poetry Contest at El Museo del Barrio in Manhattan on Friday. Nearly 1,700 students in grades 2 through 12 representing 85 schools in New York City and the watershed were honored for creating more than 1,600 original pieces of artwork and poetry that reflect an appreciation for New York’s water resources, the drinking water supply, harbor water, wastewater treatment, and the importance of water conservation. Student entries also raised awareness about the importance of maintaining New York City’s critical water supply and wastewater infrastructure.

“The creative young people who participated in this contest have demonstrated their commitment to our shared natural world and are well-poised to become the next generation of environmental stewards,” said DEP Commissioner Vincent Sapienza. “This contest is a terrific way for students both in New York City and beyond to express the importance of protecting our environment and our water resources—resources we simply could not live without.”

At the event, students were honored for their outstanding work and received certificates recognizing their contribution. Additionally, a group of judges selected more than 100 entries as this year’s Water Champions.

The 2019 contest focused on five central themes that incorporate STEM education and the humanities:

  • 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 & 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.

DEP manages New York City’s water supply, providing approximately 1 billion gallons of high-quality drinking water each day to more than 9 million residents, including 8.5 million in New York City. The water is delivered from a watershed that extends more than 125 miles from the city, comprising 19 reservoirs and three controlled lakes. Approximately 7,000 miles of water mains, tunnels and aqueducts bring water to homes and businesses throughout the five boroughs, and 7,500 miles of sewer lines and 96 pump stations take wastewater to 14 in-city treatment plants. DEP has nearly 6,000 employees, including almost 1,000 in the upstate watershed. In addition, DEP has a robust capital program, with a planned $19.7 billion in investments over the next 10 years that will create up to 3,000 construction-related jobs per year. For more information, visit nyc.gov/dep, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter.

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