Water Poster Contest

2023 Water Poster Contest Winners

For many years now, the City of Hays has partnered with KSU Big Creek Middle Smoky Hill River Watersheds to sponsor an Annual Water Poster Contest.  The goal of this contest is to raise awareness of water conservation and water quality issues while gathering some awesome and unique works of art from community members of all ages!

Theme for the 2023 poster contest: 

“Use Your Water Smarts” 

Water is essential - our most precious resource - and it is important to be "water smart" and make the most efficient use of every drop, keeping it clean and keeping it safe.  So "Use Your Water Smarts"!  Water Posters submitted must share Water Conservation or Stormwater (Water Quality) messages: 

Water Conservation simply means saving water or using it in the most efficient way possible.  Posters could depict ways to reduce water usage indoors, outdoors, and/or at school, work, etc.  Specific messages might focus on bathroom or kitchen water saving efforts, WaterSmart landscaping utilizing native plants, soil health, organic mulch, and efficient irrigation or installing water efficient fixtures and appliances in places of business.  To learn more about ways to save water click here.

Reducing the impact of Stormwater and improving Water Quality as water leaves a property in Hays and ultimately enters waterways such as Lincoln Draw, Chetolah Draw, or Big Creek is the goal.  Posters could depict ways to reduce or prevent potential pollutants, that can be harmful to water sources; such as sediment (soil), nitrogen, phosphorus, E.coli bacteria, household chemicals, vehicle fluids, etc.; from leaving properties and/or tips on how to protect water sources.  To learn more about ways to improve water quality click here.

If teachers or schools are interested in participating in the poster contest, presentations can be provided for students (in person or via Zoom) explaining ways to conserve water and improve water quality. To ensure that all students in our community have a chance to participate, poster paper, markers, crayons and colored pencils have been provided for classroom teachers in each local school office as per request.

Support for this educational opportunity that encourages students and families to learn more about water and their environment through art is greatly appreciated! Additional information and details about this contest are available in the Poster Contest Rules. For questions or more information, please contact Stacie Minson, KSU Watershed Specialist at 785-769-3297 or Holly Dickman, City of Hays Water Conservation Specialist at 785-628-7350.