Local Water Agencies Launch First Annual Tri-Valley Water Conservation Art Contest

Tri-Valley, Calif. (December 10, 2024) – The Tri-Valley’s water agencies – Zone 7 Water Agency (Zone 7), the cities of Livermore and Pleasanton, California Water Service Company (Cal Water), and Dublin San Ramon Services District (DSRSD), are excited to announce the first annual Tri-Valley Water Conservation Art Contest for K-12th-grade students.

This year’s theme, “Habitat Heroes: Transforming Lawns into Vibrant Native Gardens”, encourages students to let their imagination “go wild” by creating artwork showcasing how replacing thirsty lawns with California native plants can conserve water, support biodiversity, and build healthier habitats. Submissions may include photography, painting, digital artwork, and more!

“This contest empowers students to use their creativity to inspire change in our community,” said Valerie Pryor, Zone 7 General Manager. “By creating art that showcases the beauty and benefits of native gardens, students will help inspire families to consider replacing their lawns with sustainable habitats that conserve water and support local wildlife, encouraging a deeper connection to the environment, and a lasting impact on water conservation.”

The Water Conservation Art Contest originated as a collaboration between Cal Water and the City of Livermore for Livermore students. This year’s contest marks the first time the competition has been expanded to the entire Tri-Valley, allowing Pleasanton, Dublin, and Dougherty Valley students to enter.

Inspiring students as water champions

The Tri-Valley Water Conservation Art Contest aligns closely with Zone 7 Water Agency’s broader educational program to empower students as stewards of California’s water resources. Reimagined for the 2023-24 school year to reengage schools in proactive water education, the Zone 7 Water Academy introduces interactive, standards-aligned lessons taught by certified educators that inspire lifelong water champions. From Transitional Kindergarten to high school, these lessons provide hands-on, academically rigorous activities, including water cycle models and stories about saving water, to spark curiosity and understanding. The art contest extends this mission, providing students with a creative outlet to apply their knowledge and advocacy while fostering a shared commitment to sustainability and equipping young leaders to address pressing water challenges today and in the future. Learn more about Zone 7’s Water Academy Program at https://www.zone7water.com/water-academy. 

Contest Details:

• Who Can Enter: This contest is open to all K–12th-grade students living in or attending a school in Livermore, Dublin, Pleasanton, or the Dougherty Valley area of San Ramon. (San Ramon residents can visit www.dsrsd.com/your-account/service-area to view the Dougherty Valley area).
• What to Submit: Visual artwork of any form, including painting, drawing, ceramics/sculpture, digital illustration, video/animation, and photography. Entries must be no larger than 2 ft x 2 ft x 2 ft. Photos of past artwork can be found at https://www.flickr.com/photos/191999611@N07/albums/. 
• Submission Deadline: Artwork must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on March 3 through the form on www.zone7water.com/artcontest. 
• Judging & Prizes: In April, the Tri-Valley community will vote online for the grand prize winner from a group of selected contest finalists. The grand prize winner will receive an iPad and all finalists’ artwork will be displayed at public locations throughout the Tri-Valley in May in honor of “Water Awareness Month”.

For more information on how to participate and resources to inspire student artwork, visit www.zone7water.com/artcontest.