ACWD Teams Up with Students to Reduce Tri-City Area Outdoor Water Use by Alameda County Water District Jan 27, 2023 Member Submitted News Climate change is here, and the Alameda County Water District is partnering with students to educate customers about landscaping options offering water-wise solutions to curb outdoor water use. The 4th annual WaterClips Student Video Contest invites students to use their passion for making videos and talent for storytelling to convey the benefits of installing a water-efficient garden. Winners will be awarded scholarships totaling over $1,500. The competition challenges students to make a 30-second video about the rewards of a water-efficient garden, including increased curb appeal, reduced environmental impact and water use, available rebates and more. Students in grades 6-12 in Fremont, Newark, or Union City can submit entries until March 31. “With the average household in our service area using 30 percent of water outdoors and a climate trending hotter and drier, the opportunity to focus this year’s contest theme on water-efficient gardens is timely,” said Paul Sethy, ACWD Board President. “Students are witnessing climate change now. Using digital media tools, they are empowered to create a compelling video that amplifies water use efficiency action.” ACWD will award a total of six scholarships worth $500, $250 and $100 to participants in two groups, grades 6-8 and grades 9-12. Individual or group entries are accepted. Each student submitting a qualifying entry will receive a free movie ticket. ACWD will announce the winners at its May board meeting, followed by a special awards reception. In addition, local movie theaters will show winning entries in advance of featured films beginning mid-May. Teachers can also win! Teachers in both groups who sponsor the most student submissions and the winning videos will receive classroom scholarships worth $200, $100 and $50. Over the past three years, ACWD’s student video contest generated 84 entries from students in schools throughout the Tri-City area and awarded more than $5,500 in scholarships to students and teachers. “We are continuously inspired by the creativity and commitment to understanding important water issues exhibited by students and teachers,” added Sethy. “Water education is a top priority for the District, and we are grateful for ongoing partnerships with Tri-City area schools.” For more information about the WaterClips Student Video Contest, visit acwd.org/waterclips or email waterclips@acwd.com. .