Vermont Drinking Water Week
About
Some of the most plentiful and cleanest drinking water on the planet can be found here in Vermont. Our health and well-being are supported by safe and reliable drinking water supplies—and the water professionals working at water treatment facilities across the state. Think about what life would be like without safe and reliable water.
Each year, Vermont Drinking Water Week provides engaging educational opportunities for students in grades 4-6 during Drinking Water Week (the first full week of May).
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Drinking Water Week Fair
The Drinking Water Week Fair is a field trip for students in 4th, 5th, and 6th grade. Join us on Friday, May 8, 2026, at Veterans Memorial Park in South Burlington, VT from 9 am to 2 pm for a day of fun and festivities learning about Vermont’s drinking water and the importance of water in our lives.
Participants will visit multiple stations to engage in hands-on activities that examine the role water plays in their lives, how they can help conserve this vital resource, as well as careers in the water industry. Students will be active and outdoors all day. The event takes place rain or shine, so come prepared for the weather.
Click here for more information about the Drinking Water Week Fair
Vermont Drinking Water Week Fair is FREE thanks to our generous sponsors and volunteers. We have room for up to 175 students. To register for this event, please email Allison Smith at vermontdrinkingwaterweek@gmail.com or call 802.660.4988 ext.337. The deadline to register is Friday, April 24 or until all spacess are filled.
Poster Contest
Students in 4th, 5th, and 6th grade are invited to submit artwork that reflects this year’s theme: Water: Our Story. This is an opportunity for students to think creatively about the importance of water in their lives and our world.
Click here for more information about the poster contest
Students should use this fact sheet to learn more about drinking water and develop your poster.
There will be a winner and honorable mention(s) for each grade level. Winners will receive a prize and be recognized at the Drinking Water Week Fair on May 8.
Submissions must be received by Friday, April 10, 2026.
Rules
- Click here to read full rules
- Artwork must be created for the sole purpose of this contest.
- Artwork should be no larger than 8 ½” x 11”
- Artwork must be original and can be in any medium including hand-drawn, digitally created (no AI-generated content), photography, or collage.
- Students should work individually on their posters.
- The Committee discourages depicting single-use bottled water in a positive light.
- Spelling counts!
Submission
Mail entries to:
Vermont Drinking Water Week Committee
c/o Vermont Rural Water Association
20 Susie Wilson Rd, Suite B
Essex Junction, VT 05452
Email entries to vermontdrinkingwaterweek@gmail.com with “Poster Contest” in the subject line.
Submissions must be received by close-of-businesses on Friday, April 10, 2026. Please include the student’s name, grade, teacher, and school on the back of each submission.
By submitting an entry, participants agree to have their artwork used throughout the year in or on nonprofit publications, web pages, social media, presentations, and special events. Names will be withheld on social media posts.
Poster Contest Winners
2025 Poster Contest Winners
The theme was Water’s Many Powers. Congrats to the winners!
Click images to expand.
4th Grade Winner from Jericho Elementary School
5th Grade Winner (tie) from Shelburne Community School
5th Grade Winner (tie) from The Village School of North Bennington
6th Grade Winner from Northfield Middle High School
2024 Poster Contest Winners
The theme was Magic of Water.
4th Grade Winner from Fletcher Elementary School
5th Grade Winner from Pownal Elementary School
6th Grade Winner from Northfield Middle & High School
2023 Poster Contest Winners
The theme was Captain Water Drop.
4th grade winner from Fayston Elementary School
5th grade winner (three-way tie) from Pownal Elementary School
5th grade winner (three-way tie) from Pownal Elementary School
5th grade winner (three-way tie) from Fayston Elementary School
6th grade winner, a homeschooled student
2022 Poster Contest Winners
The theme was Water to the Rescue.
4th grade winner from Ludlow Elementary School
5th grade winner from Ludlow Elementary School
6th grade winner from Shelburne Community School
2021 Poster Contest Winners
The 2021 theme was Water Is Essential.
4th Grade Winner
5th Grade Winner
6th Grade Winner
2020 Poster Contest Winners
The theme was “Water Sustains…”
4th Grade Winner
5th Grade Winner
6th Grade Winner
PSA
Since Vermont Drinking Water Week couldn’t hold their usual fair in 2020, they put together this fun PSA. Check it out!
